I think he took that as a big fuck you and wanted to prove them all wrong.
That's always good fuel and I can relate. There will always be those folks who want to hold others back. They don't change when you change though.
Years ago I spoke to a few people, talking about wanting to pursue writing and art again. They tried to talk me down saying it wouldn't amount to anything, I'd be wasting my time, yadda yadda yadda. I've improved over the years. People from all over the world have seen and read my work.
Those same people who wanted to hold me back now point to the fact I'm not a New York Times best selling author, nor is my art seen in some fancy gallery, yadda yadda yadda. Could make a million and they'd complain I never made ten million, so therefore it was a waste of time.
I personally don't see how attempting to hold others back in life can be a productive thing to do. I see it's not getting them far. But I guess that's where they want to be, since they're the experts.
Maybe it makes them feel better about themselves or something, not sure how that works exactly. Some of them might even think they are encouraging while saying those things.
Keep going, it is your journey, not theirs. No time is wasted when doing what you love.
The act of giving a shit can be one of the hardest and least rewarding behaviors.
Excuse me? You're about to get hit by a bus. "Don't tell me how to walk and where!" Splat.
But I don't think those naysayer types are giving a shit when attempting to protect one from something that won't hurt to try. It's their own fear of failure, I think. They don't want others to go through that pain. But all that will ever lead to is a world of nothingness, where nothing gets done.
LOL! I'm just trying to sound smart.