I’ve been marveling over a simple to grasp but hard to execute idea: that we have to stop waiting for permission to do something.
What does permission look like? Praise, affirmation, likes and followers, approval. It’s basically any external validation you feel like you need to do something.
For a long time, I only did things I felt like I had “permission” to do so. Getting a 9 to 5 salaried job for my parents. Drawing certain content, and in a certain style, for my audience. Waiting around for a miracle to happen so I could finally live my dream life - because if nobody asked me to do the things I want to do, how would I succeed and why would anyone care?
In art and entrepreneurship, this is even more relevant. Many times we think we need a tested market to create something. But that only leads to the same recycled ideas, not the radical ones that the world needs, and more importantly, we actually want to make.
I’ve noticed that the people I admire - the ones that make things happen, that make their dreams come to reality - don’t wait for permission. They listen to their heart, and then they go out and do what they want to regardless if they think it’ll become popular or successful. They aren’t afraid of judgement or failure, and theres a drive beyond external validation. It’s a drive that’s core to their very purpose and existence on this earth, one that needs to be birthed regardless of the trials and fears that stand in the way.
Two of my artist friends who have exhibited internationally in very well known museums said that for one of their first exhibitions, they actually weren’t even invited specifically to do an installation. But asked if they could show a sculpture, and to this day, they still list it as an exhibition on their resume and it has contributed to them getting countless opportunities.
Did they wait for permission? Nope. They knew the value of their art and their desire to show it to the world, and asked for the opportunity.
Listening to their stories, and other similar ones, made me realized where I wasn’t taking action because I wanted someone to validate me. I was so afraid that without that validation, I was absolutely going to fail.
Guest what? Without trying it in the first place, I’ve already failed.
So what do we have to lose by starting?
All my love,
Ai