Validation

How do we validate and understand where our artistic work fits into the scheme of things. For some people the accolades of competitions are what drives and validates them. For others it is the comments and likes that are achieved through online participation. For others still it is the cold hard reality of cash, when someone wants to hang your work on their wall you have made it. Personally I find myself lost and bouncing between all three in a somewhat erratic and non consistent approach.
If nobody comments then does that mean it is no good...........I think we should not be deterred by this as our dreams and vision take time to develop.