Seth is Right. Validation IS Overrated.

"Validation is overrated... If you have a book to write, write it. If you want to record an album, record it. No need to wait for someone in a cubicle halfway across the country to decide if you're worthy." - Seth Godin

I read a blog post by Seth Godin over the weekend and it couldn't be more true. Why wait for somebody to tell you you're good enough to do something. That's not to say things should be done blindly though. In the past, we wait for someone to tell us we're worthy of recording an album or writing a book because they have the skills and marketing to help push it further. At a mental level, by them saying that and willing to provide resources also gives a big shot of confidence to the author.

The thing is though, why? Is it because we've been taught at a very young age to get approval from those above us before we can continue moving ahead? I understand there are rules and there should be rules to help keep society in working order.

However, it doesn't have to be this way. Most of us are now equipped with a decent desktop computer with recording and writing capabilities. Digital cameras have never been cheaper than before. If you don't have internet at home, there's always the library for that connection to push your work out. The only thing missing is the mentality to believe that you can do it. You don't need to wait for someone to validate your thinking. "Believe" just like Melanie Oudin did when the 17 year old defeated a three-time tennis grand slam player at the US Open last year.

I think I finally understand what Nike's slogan truely means. JUST DO IT!