I first saw this one here on Drummerworld as someone's "signature" (apologies for not remembering who's sig it is)-
“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.”
― Ludwig van Beethoven
THAT pretty much wraps up how I try judge myself and the music I play or even listen to. Nothing worse than a half-arsed attempt at making "music".
Also, similarly to Paradiddle Pete's post above, I try to play for the people listening to me. If I start thinking about the "drummer\s" or other musicians in the audience it totally throws me off and can bring down my performance as I second guess everything I do. I don't mind other players critiquing my playing, but that is better done "off camera" when a real conversation can take place and not in my head where it's all made up chatter....lol.
Interesting idea for a thread Oldskool!