You don’t need anyone’s permission to take yourself seriously.

There is a persistent feeling that something official has to happen first. Being picked, being told you are good, some adult confirming it out loud. No such moment is scheduled. People who get somewhere generally started behaving as though the thing were real long before anyone agreed with them, which is uncomfortable for a while and is the only route on offer.

Do one thing this week that assumes you are serious. Buy the proper notebook, book the practice room, send the email, put the hours in your calendar where you can see them.