If you’re doing something just to get external validation, you’re setting yourself up for failure—and misery. You’ll end up chasing approval, even if it means losing money or doing things that don’t make sense just to impress others.
Do something where your why isn’t fame or recognition. Do it because you genuinely care. Not because you’re hoping for clout or applause. Do it for the joy, for the craft, for the challenge—not for the praise.
The only validation you need is from yourself and a select few who truly know you. Yes, you still need feedback to grow. But feedback is different from validation. One helps you improve, the other keeps you stuck.