Don’t take it personally. “Opinions are like asshole’s…everyone has one and they all stink!” — English Proverb This is even more true during the holidays as we all see that one (or maybe more) family member that thinks they know how we should live our lives or build our careers. The opportunity here is to let it roll off your back. You’re going to meet lots of people in the industry who just don’t like the piece you’re working on. Whether you’re a writer, producer, actor, designer, director…..no matter who you are, someone you care about or respect is not going to like one of the pieces you’re working on. Here’s the thing, you can’t take it personally, or it will stop you emotionally from having the career you deserve. It’s an opportunity to smile at their face say out loud “Thank you for caring” and then say to yourself with a chuckle “fuck you for sharing” — smile and move one. The only people whose opinion actually matters is your team. Your Director, writers producers, — your team that’s working together day in and day out. They are the ones who matter. Nobody else. I have had people tell me very meanly that Matilda The Musical was never going to work because there was too many kids in it. They were wrong. I had people tell me Moulin Rouge! was a terrible idea because the budget was too huge. They were wrong. I have had people tell me Anastasia was a bad idea and would fail— they were wrong. People who don’t get your vision won’t see it, and will be rude about it at some point. So believe in yourself, your talent, and your vision and pursue it relentlessly. You got this— and if you ever doubt….remember there are still people on Broadway who think Lin Manuel-Miranda doesn’t sing well — I’m sure he’s laughing all the way to the bank. Hang in there — you got this!