If the whole world continues to tell you you’re talented at something – that you don’t allow yourself to believe because of some embedded unjustifiable presumptions, no amount of external validation will ever get you to internalize it.

And if the whole world turns against the one thing you’re crazy about and that your heart desires, no amount of obnoxiously unasked-for criticism can make you change your mind about it.

Support feels nice, there’s no doubt. But unless it’s preceded by the right kind of assertiveness and trust in your abilities, the whole thing might blow up in the most unexpected directions.

So please always remember: believing in yourself is never a form of arrogance, and choosing to go after what feels right to you doesn’t always need its reasoning. Start somewhere, and the rest will very shortly follow. I promise.

Basma Zaki