Artists and entrepreneurs need the sum of [internal belief + external validation] to exceed a certain mark in order to keep going. Early on in careers, the external validation variable is usually low (or even negative), so the creator’s internal belief has to be super strong. 1/3

So if you know an aspiring artist or entrepreneur, don’t lie to them, but if you actually do like their creations, make sure to tell them. A little external validation can be a huge boost to someone still relying entirely on internal belief. 2/3

And if you’re an aspiring creator and you feel like no one believes in you, remember that almost all creative journeys start lonely, supported only by a burning internal belief. External validation comes later. 3/3