Please all, you will please anyone

Do you like applause? Do you like to be patted on the back for a job well done?

You know, I think it’s only natural to want and even expect a little validation and positive feedback now and then.

But, have you gotten to the point of worrying that people don’t appreciate you or the work you do?

The truth is even when I’m doing my best; There are those who do not like it. Or worse – ignore it. And the other side of the same coin is that there’s no reason they shouldn’t like it, really – well done and professional.

I’ve taken criticism from strangers or competitors, but when friends and family ignore my work – it really hurts. They are supposed to love everything I do! But they don’t always do that.

It’s a sad but true fact that everyone, even your peers and mentors will criticize you – even people you respect.

Unfortunately, this is the case for creators.

One of Aesop’s fables teaches, “Please all of you, and please none.” It is the story of a man, his son and a donkey. They start walking by the donkey – until a passer-by mentions that they must ride the donkey – so many put his son on the donkey. That’s fine until a passerby tells the boy how selfish he is for his ride and makes his dad walk – so the guy gets on the donkey. This is fine until a passerby sees the boy walking and the man riding and makes a comment that the boy should ride too – the boy hops on the donkey too. It’s okay until a passer-by sees the man and his son on the donkey and chases after them to burden the donkey too much – so they both got off the donkey. They are now back to the way they started and have learned that when you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.

I’m sorry, but it’s just a fact of life – especially for creatives. So accept the truth and you will be happier and freer.

Don’t try to be all things to all people. Everyone has different tastes and different preferences; “The strokes are different for different people.”

People will criticize you – get used to it. It can be useful, after all. But whatever happens, don’t stop creating. you are creative. If every creator stopped creating when criticized, we wouldn’t have all of their wonderful creations to enjoy and bless our lives with.

Enjoy your creations. They’re cool – no matter who loves them. I created – and that’s great! Again, no matter what you don’t stop creating! Remember that you can become a powerful creator, so never stop being creative.