Some people don’t create because they know from looking in the mirror just how ugly the critics can be. And they don’t want to receive from others the same measure of vile they eagerly dished out when they played the role of dissatisfied consumer.
“I know how nasty I can be and I don’t want anybody saying that kind of stuff to me. So I will hide my gifts in a place no one can see.”
If this sounds like you, here’s my advice: Don’t worry about all that bad karma you’ve accumulated from playing the role of the mean police officer to other people’s work. You’ll be just fine. Creators have been dealing with people like you for centuries and that hasn’t stopped them from getting things done. Now it’s your turn to join those creators. You already know what it’s like to be a critic who lords over other people’s work. Let’s take it to the next level by putting your own ideas and innovations out there for the world to engage. You know what it’s like to not be impressed, but you’re not fully human until you’ve tried to make an impression.
Come out and play with the big kids. Let go of your fear and start creating.
You’ll be able to handle the mean people in the same way we’ve been able to handle you.