I had to read all, failure has a way of making us feel something is not right. But like you rightly pointed out, only when we refuse to be defined by the Jones and Joneses of this world would we be able to make a lot of things happen. I think staying away from people who consistently put us down is another way to go about it. Some are known to put you down to feel better; that is a miserable life to live. The Ph.D. (pull him/her down) crew, they derive joy when they have succeeded in breaking you. Funny enough, it does not improve their lot in life. Believing in oneself is the greatest gift of all, give your middle finger to critics and hold your head high and do your thing! Thank you.

Be awesome. Steem it!