It’s hard to choose yourself.  It’s hard to put yourself out there and take the chance.  It absolutely IS what you should do…but it’s hard.  And when you do, it is so nice when you have people give you that positive feedback to encourage you. 

But if you are really pushing, if you are really hustling, that is when the critic shows up.  The critic shows up to put you back in the box.  They might disguise themselves as well meaning.  Heck, they might even be well meaning.  But when they point out what you are doing wrong, why your work doesn’t make sense, why you stink, it hurts. 

It’s natural to get angry and lash out.  You want to remind them that they have not done anything.  It’s easy to tell them they don’t get it. 

Don’t do it. 

Accept the feedback (really listen) and thank them.  Not only can you learn something (maybe) from them, but they have given you something more valuable.  When the critic shows up, you know you are on the right road. 

Keep pushing.