From my experience, many performers have a bit of a weak ego. It may be that many folks are attracted to performing to feed the need for approval. Then again, there are plenty of folk out there who are in it solely for the love of the art, and could give a whistle if anyone is "approving" or no. And then there's all the rest that fit someplace in between.

When I feel "I suck", I trudge on and get past it. Eventually, there's a reward, and that makes it all worth the while. When this is no longer the case, I will likely be retiring.

Here's hoping that your rewards outweigh the downtimes! :D