Not every squeak merits grease

You must seek the truth, not approval

“Even if you get run over by a clown car and pissed on by a busload of schoolchildren, it's still your responsibility to interpret the meaning of the event and choose a response.”
–Mark Manson

Part of any creative process is sharing work and getting feedback. This nerve-wracking experience is intensified by the prospect of a sharp shard of critique from a peer, the peanut gallery, or a HPPO. Panic not. Take the note, breathe, and resist the temptation to change everything. Not every squeak merits grease.

Too often a creator moves mountains based on a morsel of criticism. You don't do this with positive feedback. When you get an "attaboy" at karaoke you don't rearrange your life to start a rock band. But when a half-interested executive dubs your headline "tortuous", you're ready to chuck it all and get a real estate license.

Remember that you do not welcome all feedback. That note could be useful or it could be a throwaway blurt from an empty stomach. Also, what is expressed is not always what is meant. You might bring your adversary closer to understand their agenda.

Of course, leaning into this fray is what every highly-agreeable, conflict-avoidant, self-critical creative seeks to avoid when they quietly turn every opinion into a to-do. Temper this instinct.

You are obligated to vehemently agree with the feedback you implement. If you don't, you are acting merely to secure approval and that is toxic. Serve the craft, not your comfort. Be an artist, not an order-taker.

You need not be a diva about it, but you should put up a bit of a fight. There might be a tousle to find the truth.