The trouble with creative work: Sometimes by the time people catch on to what’s valuable about what you do, you’re either a) bored to death with it, … - Austin Kleon

You can’t go looking for validation from external sources. Once you put your work into the world, you have no control over the way people will react to it.

You can’t be content with mastery; you have to push yourself to become a student again.

Think about your favorite work and your creative heroes. What did they miss? What didn’t they make? What could’ve been made better? If they were still alive, what would they be making today? If all your favorite makers got together and collaborated, what would they make with you leading the crew?

In O’Brien’s words, “It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.