Vladimir Horowitz is considered one of the greatest classical pianists who ever lived. The best in the world.
But here's the thing...
What if you hate classical music?
Does it still count?
The music world places a lot of importance on building a huge audience. And, if you can't win a competition to instantly propel you into the global spotlight, the options are limited.
But, trying to build a huge audience as quickly as possible is wrong.
Why, you ask?
Because you can't please everyone. Everyone likes different things. Even in the classical world, there are plenty of people who hate Horowitz's guts.
If you try to please everyone with your art, your work, whatever it is you do, you will always be frustrated.
But, so many musicians and other artists weren't taught this.
And so, they perform constantly (often for free), try to win a competition, try to get an agent, blow up social media, and all manner of other measures in hopes of gaining attention from the masses.
When this doesn't work out, they end up going back to school for law, nursing, dentistry, or something else that doesn't require much of an audience at all.
What great art have we missed out on because the artist was trying too hard to be the best in the world?
The point is...
You can't be the best in the world.
But, you can be the best in someone's world.
Instead of playing to the masses and hoping for attention, let's find those who want to listen. Those who want to hear the story we want to tell.
It may take some experimenting and searching, but they are out there.
And they are waiting for you.