If I had a dollar for every time someone said, ”make sure you have a backup plan because that’s not a very practical profession,” I’d be up there with Bill Gates. I’ve heard it from former friends, family members, you name it. I’ve even had to endure the person I loved say, “she’ll take whatever job she can get,” in front of his family– that was awkward, to say the least. For those wanting to be artists, filmmakers, dancers, professional athletes, influencers, comedians, writers, photographers, or any other creative field, this rhetoric is nothing new.
When you hear these types of phrases constantly, it’s easy to get down on yourself and wonder if you should reevaluate your path. However, it’s important to note that you’re not alone in this and you have nothing to be ashamed about. Here are some affirmations you need to remember so that the haters’ comments don’t phase you.
1. You’re passionate and won’t settle.
Society has taught us that unless you’re guaranteed to make six figures, you’ll be unhappy in life, but that’s simply untrue. While someone can be happy as an accountant, doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc., most people are just settling. We all have that one friend who comes from a line of doctors and if they don’t become one, they are seen as a disappointment. But, not you. You get to tell stories by creating them through video, expressing them through art, capturing moments and making them come alive through writing. You want to make people feel the excitement of a sporting event and inspire others to follow their dreams. There is more to life than a 9-5, and you want to see the world. Most importantly, you won’t look back in 50 years and say, “I wish I would have followed my dreams.”
2. You’re smart and capable.
Math and science-related fields tend to be clear-cut. 2+2 will always equal 4, and there is no extra effort required to know that because it’s fact and never changes. And while these fields are extremely important, you get to dig deeper. Chances are, you’re knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects because it’s necessary to tell their stories. Possessing different techniques and skills on top of knowledge about your game is critical. Sometimes, you are pushed to your emotional limits to deliver a performance, or routine so that you can connect with your audience. Some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met have been those in creative fields and it’s no coincidence. Don’t ever let anyone assume you aren’t intelligent, because you are.
3. You’re tough and confident.
Thick-skin is your middle name. Having heard (and continuing to hear) a million “no’s” doesn’t deter you from what you’re pursuing because you know that this is your calling. News flash, the world sometimes isn’t the most pleasant and doesn’t always take our feelings into consideration. However, you get up every morning, you put in the work, and you’re confident that you’ll get a “yes.” You know that one “yes” is all it takes to work your magic and show what you’ve got. That says a lot about you and your resilience.
4. You’re a courageous leader.
Following everyone else just because they have a higher probability of achieving society’s definition of success is not fulfilling. You’re a risk-taker and lead by example. You have the courage to be different, the courage to try, and the courage to go against the status quo. You’re anything but boring, and that makes you interesting. The world needs more people like you who are willing to think outside the box and draw outside the lines. I can guarantee your work will inspire at least one other person, or will spark a conversation, and that’s what it’s all about.
5. You’re a decent person.
Can we just take a second to realize how mean it is to belittle someone’s career path? People who make others feel bad about what makes them happy are obviously going through something themselves. It is extremely rude, can be a sign of jealousy, and you don’t need anyone in your life who questions your passions. This is easier said than done if it’s a relative (you know, your mom, the brain surgeon, and your dad, the engineer at a Fortune 500), but you’re not subject to verbal abuse from anyone. You deserve to be around supportive and encouraging people. Remember that.
6. You’re going to prove them wrong
We hear it all the time in award acceptance speeches from some of the world’s greatest creators– “everyone told me I couldn’t do it, yet here I am.” Michael Jordan, Lady Gaga, you name it. And what did they do? They had the moment you’ve always dreamed of, the moment where they reflected and said, “so, you were saying?” It’s going to feel amazing, and not because you’re looking to please those who doubted you, but because you knew it in your heart all along that you’d succeed. The best part is when they name-drop you, you’ll get free publicity. Win-win!
My biggest piece of advice, and something I’m still trying to practice in my life, is keep going. Manifestation is real and if you keep working at your goals, you’ll gain experience and knowledge at the very least. It’s okay to have moments where you feel overwhelmed or frustrated when things aren’t going to plan. It’s normal to question whether you’re on the right path because of societal pressures. However, you need to remember what makes you happy and continue on. The sooner we start validating ourselves instead of looking to others to validate us, is when we will find true success and happiness. Keep going. You’ll be happy that you did.