Surround yourself with dreamers, not doubters
As an artist, I often face skepticism about the path I’ve chosen. “At least you always have your nursing career to fall back on,” people say. “It’s good to have something stable, just in case.” While these words come from a place of care, they carry an unspoken message: Your dreams might not be enough. Honestly, I may be reading into these comments more than they’re actually said. Perhaps my own doubts have influenced how I perceive what others think about my artistic journey. There was a time when I let those doubts settle in, convincing myself that pursuing art wasn’t practical. I didn’t know anyone who was making a living from their art. It felt like a distant dream, something that only the incredibly lucky could achieve.
I don’t recall ever saying out loud that I wanted to be an artist, mostly because I believed, like many others, that it was more of a hobby than a viable career. I loved the feeling of admiration when I sang in church or when classmates asked me to take on the creative part of a school project. But that was where it stopped—art was something for my free time, a way to pass the hours and claim a little bragging rights, but not something with a future.
However, I soon realized that the reason I didn’t know anyone living that dream wasn’t because it was impossible—it was because I hadn’t sought those people out. What a simple yet profound revelation. Just because I didn’t know anyone making a living with their art didn’t mean they weren’t out there beyond my tiny social circle in the sticks and red clay of rural Oklahoma. Imagine that! (insert southern drawl here.)
One significant change I made was intentionally surrounding myself with others who were actively pursuing their dreams. I started following successful artists on social media—not just to admire their work, but to learn from their stories. I joined an art school to connect with instructors and peers who shared my passion. But perhaps the most pivotal step was creating my own community—a group of like-minded artists on Discord, where we gather twice a week to share our progress, challenges, and victories. Real life people I could talk to. We encourage each other and hold each other accountable, pushing one another to keep going even when the road feels tough. This group has become an essential part of my journey, reminding me that I am not the only ambitious dreamer in this world of those who settle for mediocrity.
In addition to these connections, I’ve also immersed myself in books and podcasts by artists who have turned their passion into a sustainable career. Listening to their stories has been a source of inspiration, especially when the inevitable challenges arise. Their experiences guide me and offer valuable lessons, helping me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my goals.
I’ve also been following financial gurus who emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage growth and possibility. They often mention that if you’re surrounded by those who are constantly living beyond their means—chasing material success and “keeping up with the Joneses,”—it can be difficult to break free from the rat race. This idea applies to dreams too. If you’re surrounded by people who settle for mediocrity and believe that dreams are unrealistic, it can become harder to hold onto your own vision. But as I’ve learned, those voices often stem from others’ limitations, not my own.
The key is to be intentional about the people you spend time with. Who is truly encouraging your growth? Who is supporting your dreams and pushing you to grow? This is not about surrounding yourself with people who only take or offer something tangible—it’s about connecting with those whose energy and beliefs resonate with your vision. Creating a community of support is about building something together, sharing ideas, and uplifting each other along the way. The keyword is community.
Not everyone in your life will understand your dreams. There are people I deeply care about who don’t fully grasp what it means to pursue art or who think my path is too uncertain. This doesn’t mean I have to distance myself from them. Instead, it’s about seeking out and nurturing the relationships which support my dreams. It’s not about closing all doors; although I might offer that if the person really doesn’t mean that much to you in the first place and the relationship does not support your growth, it’s time to let it go. It’s also important to remind yourself when their doubts become your own, that dreaming isn’t impractical. It's the execution of your goals that needs to be practical. You can approach the path to your dreams with a practical mindset.
One day, when my success is evident in my work, I won’t need to say, “I told you so.” It will be clear. Until then, I’ll continue building, learning, and creating alongside those who share my vision, knowing that each step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Every effort, every piece of art, and every conversation is a part of the world I am creating–the community I am nurturing.
Your dreams are worth your effort. Surround yourself with those who believe in possibility and let their encouragement fuel your journey. Build your community and nurture those relationships—these connections will help you reach your destination. Don’t forget to support other dreamers too. Be the person you needed when you dared to dream. Share your own journey and listen to their stories. Be invested in the happiness of your neighbor. Success is measured differently by everyone. I chose to measure it in smiles, support, and friendships. Surround yourself with dreamers, not doubters, and together create something extraordinary.
