I’ve been directing a few short films lately, and while the process is rewarding, putting your creative work out there can invite some pretty harsh feedback. It’s one thing to hear a critique about a technical choice, but another when it feels personal. I’m curious how Stoic philosophy might apply here. The idea of focusing only on what’s within your control makes sense, but in practice, it’s tough. How do you separate your worth from the work when the work is so personal? And for those who practice Stoicism, are there specific exercises or reflections you use to process criticism without letting it derail your creative momentum? I’d love to hear how others navigate this.