Journal/Blog

11-19-2024 Objectivity

Recently, I have been reminded of how difficult it can be to strive for excellence in fields where your success is based in objectivity.

2+2=4
The War of 1812 occurred in the year 1812.
The basketball goes through the hoop.
The runner crosses the finish line.

There are so many things in life that can be definitively called a success. It doesn't mean doing those things are easy, but it does tend to be easier to define success for them.

The creative arts are not always as easily defined. Though there can be definitive categories applied to them, the judgement still comes from a place inside us that is entirely personal and therefore automatically biased.

Is it a beautiful watercolor or a smudgy mismatch of random paint splatters?
Did the dancer's moves touch a place inside your soul or were they just getting from one place to another on stage?
Were those instruments creating a symphony that incited your emotions, or did it take all you had to suffer through the cacophony of sound?

Did the book capture your attention and transport you to a time and place, or did you want to put it down two paragraphs in?

For those of us that continue to share pieces of our hearts and souls with an outside audience, I applaud our efforts and admire our resolve.

Remember that if you love what you are creating, then there are those out there who will also love it. And for those that don't, it's ok.

Others' opinions of you and/or your work do not define you or your work.

The work defines itself, as does the time and effort you put in to making it happen.

Absorb the constructive criticism that is offered, let the pointless naysayers pass you by, and keep on creating!

We believe in you. You believe in you.

Happy writing, everyone! (And/or any other creative activity that you enjoy!)