The whole problem with the world is that the fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. - Bertrand Russel

Skill is only developed by hours and hours of beating on your craft.
Remember that.Don't let anyone tell you you can't be the best just because they can't.

Your past doesn't have to be your future, sure someone might always remember you as the person you were, but the people ahead of you, will remember the person you became, and the people who really care, will live with what you were, and accept what you've become.