It’s easy to let others drag you down. The world is full of doubt, hate, and problems. I am by no means an optimist, but we do sell ourselves short. We talk ourselves out of something before we try it. We doubt others when they have a crazy idea or want to make a change. We pass judgement every day.

This weekend someone who overcame these obstacles inspired me.

Lindsey Stirling

This adorable violinist played the Cannery Ballroom Friday night and lit up the block with her smile, sparkling outfits, bubbles, and light show.

During her performance, she spoke about those telling her she wasn’t marketable and wouldn’t make it – on national television. Stirling was on America’s Got Talent in 2012 and was told she wasn’t good enough. They said she needed a group to make it work.

Boy, did she prove them wrong.

Two months after her CD release, she graced Music City with her awesomeness. I fell in love with her energy and music, and she is different, which is hard to find nowadays. Once known as a hip-hop violinist, she evolved into her own sound. I love her original music that blends well with dubstep.

The Show

I was a little nervous about how Stirling would be live. I was afraid the dubstep would hum too much, and it was my first instrumental show, besides the symphony, so I wasn’t sure how well I could dance. Happily, I admit I was wrong.

The acoustics were great, and the Cannery was the perfect venue for an instrumental show. There was a real drummer and keyboardist, so the dubstep wasn’t produced on a Macbook (as James says). It was actually better live!

Aside from hearing my favorites from her CD, she played a mix of Micheal Jackson songs, Phantom of the Opera, the Zelda Medley, and Evanescence’s My Immortal. Stirling bounced around stage; her energy radiated through the venue, and I have never seen so many guys dancing. It was one of the most fun shows and diverse crowds I have ever seen.

What We Should Learn

We should never give up on our dreams and goals. This woman was told on national TV, she’d never fill a Vegas venue. She was told she wasn’t good enough even though she was talented. She handled the criticism with grace and style and came out better from it (see Transcendence).

In writing, we often face rejection and criticism. Our articles and stories are ripped to shreds, and we are left to clean up the mess. The important thing to remember is you are good enough. With perseverance and hard work, you can do anything. So keep writing, even if it’s not your best, and do what you need to do to overcome the world’s negativity.

Who do you admire? Feel free to share in the comments section!