Where do you crave validation?

All of us crave validation in some way or another, and understanding where you seek it can help define your path in music - which can bring you towards the right path of “Success” for you.

Below are some common sources of validation that I’ve observed in myself or others throughout my journey.

I also include potential Yin (dark side) and Yang (light side) to be aware of.

For each, I have included introspective questions to help see if you resonate with it. You can, and probably will, resonate with a few!

Take note of them. It will help you see your own path - past and future - more clearly.

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Industry and Peer Recognition

• Do you crave recognition from the “industry?”
• Do you want people with impressive credits to respect your work?
• Do you want to leave a “mark” through awards or recognition from established groups?

Yang: Use this desire to push you to become a master of your craft.

Yin: Be careful of changing who you are to gain the approval of others.

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Public Admiration and Building a Fanbase

• Do you crave fans or followers cheering you on?
• Do you want to see the impact what you create is having on people?
• Do you want to leave a “mark” through the community you’ve built around your work?

Yang: Use this desire to create genuine connections with people and stay true to your community and message.

Yin: Be careful of needing the approval of others as a proxy for your own approval of self.

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Artistic Vision

• Do you crave putting something unique into the world?
• Do you see your art as an extension of yourself?
• Do you want to leave a “mark” in a way that feels like only you can?

Yang: Use this desire to discover more of yourself - which is reward unto itself - and put a unique message into the world that makes people think differently.

Yin: Be careful of perfectionism, isolation, or putting down other work that you may see as “less than” due to your unique standards and vision.

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Impact Through Education & Mentoring

• Do you crave helping others improve by passing down your own wisdoms?
• Do you see education as a commitment to your own skill development?
• Do you want to leave a “mark” through the impact you’ve made on helping other people?

Yang: Use this desire to push you to become the best version of yourself, so that you can continually help others who are on a similar path to become the best versions of themselves.

Yin: Be careful of the need to be seen as an “expert” being used as a proxy for your own self-love and acceptance.

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There are of course more ways we can crave validation, but this is a few that I think many of us can relate with.

Are there others that I did not mention that you feel are pulling you?