The journey of learning is rarely linear. It twists and turns, filled with leaps of inspiration, stretches of doubt, and moments of clarity that seem to come from nowhere. It’s not about mastering every step, but about showing up — raw, curious, and willing to fail — trusting that the process will shape us into who we are meant to become.
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They say it takes around 10,000 hours to master anything — be it a musical instrument, a language, a trade or specialized skill, or a sport. In my own journey, I’ve found this to ring true, uncovering valuable insights along the way. I don’t know if I’ve mastered anything, but I’ve delved deeply into various pursuits, learning as I go.
In structured education, we follow predictable curricula with set expectations. And we have to pay for it, often exorbitantly. Over a defined period, instructors guide us through the basics and beyond, aiming for certification. This approach offers consistency, focus, and guidance, steering us toward our aspirations. It’s rigorous but foundational, shaping us into who we aim to become.
But what happens when we forgo formal education? As autodidacts, we become our own mentors and motivators. This self-guided path can be harsh, especially for artists, who often struggle with chronic self-criticism. There may be no significant upfront costs, but we pay a different price over the long haul. Art is a wild force, both tormenting and transformative. Embracing its challenges, however, is where growth occurs.
In school, feedback is immediate, helping to correct mistakes and avoid bad habits. This conformist structure provides a foundation for those seeking predictable, linear career paths. The independent route, by contrast, offers no such certainty. Skills are entirely self-made, born from effort, happy accidents, and imagination. This freedom is exhilarating but isolating — though for some, solitude is essential to uncovering truth and pursuing authenticity.
In a competitive world, independence can feel like both a blessing and a curse. “Making a living” often carries negative connotations, especially when creative confidence falters. Watching others succeed — their popularity, marketability, and appeal — can make us question our worth.
The key is openness, flexibility, and receptiveness to life’s unexpected opportunities. When excitement and passion drive experimentation and craft, that energy resonates with those who value and support your work. For the independent, living with uncertainty builds resilience and self-reliance.
Today, we can learn almost anything, anywhere, in any way we choose. Yet the same questions persist: Can we motivate ourselves? Trust our efforts? Believe in their worth? The freedom to create and align with our true selves is ours, but it requires an uncommon discipline, self awareness, personal accountability, all while trusting life’s flow.
Above all, we must be gentle with ourselves, stay curious, and embrace the journey. No one else can live our story or offer the world what we uniquely bring.
Be yourself, beautiful soul. Thank you for your courage, your vulnerability, and your authenticity. Thank you for your love of art, your art of love, your unique perspective, and for sharing your true self with us.
Solvitur ambulando