Flip the Paper Over and Try Again…

I have been building a book of quotes from women authors, sort of compiling my own resource of inspiration, so to say. I found these words from Judy Blume and eventually found myself disappointed with the outcome. This is my second attempt to create a viable piece with her words. (The first attempt is on the other side of this one…and no I will not share it.)

As an artist, writer and creative person I have had to toughen up. I have had much rejection and criticism, and to be honest it stings. Some comments and attitudes linger longer than others. I appreciated these words reminding us that YES, rejection and criticism hurt…get used to it. None of us like to hear from our critics and the naysayers. To read it online, hear it in rumors, face it at family events or in a circle of friends, none of us are ever prepared for what people will tell us. And Judy is right, we need to get used to it.

The minute you put your work out there – in it’s raw, polished or in process form – people will willingly tell you what they think. There will be praise, shout accolades, deliver jabs and even make downright hurtful suggestions. To quote Abraham Lincoln, “I can never please all of the people all of the time.” I think about his words and this quip from Judy Blume and agree with them both whole heartedly! You will never please everyone all the time…so get used to it.

Rejection and criticism is part of the game, so learn how to handle it and keep playing. No one likes it, we’re human after all. HOWEVER…there is always the opportunity to evaluate the comment or unkind words to see how you might improve, clarify or update your work. Nothing we ever put out is perfect the first time, sometimes you have to turn the paper over and try again. And no one ever has to see the first attempt, they may not even know it exists unless you tell them.

The upside of this is you are in great company if people comment and criticize your work. The best minds in the world, the most talented artists, the innovators and the rule breakers ALL had critics. They too had to take a deep breath and not let it stop them from taking their work forward. So keep going. Do the work, make it better, hone your craft and put it out there for everyone to see. The world will only get better – for ourselves and others – if we dare to believe that what we have to say or show makes a difference. And when you are in doubt about what you’ve done, flip the paper over and try again…