Signs of progress.

Being accomplished in your practice doesn't mean that you have amassed a great following. It isn't your ability to know every answer, to be the provider of every solution. It doesn't matter if your students think you can walk on water or you have amazing abilities.

Your practice has borne fruit if you are less concerned about what others think of you.
Your practice has hit its mark if you don't fear being insignificant.
Not chasing after praise or worried about being blamed are signs of success.
You've made great progress when you are no longer scheming for gain or using any measure at all to protect against loss.
If you no longer feel overwhelmed by suffering, your practice is ripening.
If you no longer find yourself wishing for happiness, it is a strong sign of accomplishment.

Stop!

Stop looking for approval.  Stop waiting for affirmation.  Stop listening for consent.  Stop looking for signs of success.  Stop waiting for others to grant you accomplishment.

Your selfish concerns benefit no one, not even you.

Don't wait for permission.

Rely on initiative and generosity to secure the benefit of others.

Rely on your practice to secure your own benefit.

You know what you need to do.

Crazy.

Without concern for praise,
or blame,
without worrying about potential gain,
or what you might lose,
not doing it for fame,
and not afraid of being insignificant,
free from the hope that this will make you happy,
and not bound by the suffering and pain you will experience.

This is the unfettered mind.  The mind of crazy wisdom free from all worldly concerns.  

Letting go.

Your practice should include the art of letting go.

Letting go of the fear.
The pain.
The anger. Frustration.
Letting go of your hope.
Expectations.
Judgement.
Ego.
Letting go of resentment.
Mistakes.
Bias.
Ideals.

Let everything go.  What is left when you have nothing left to hold onto?

Now, continue with the practice.