Embrace Failure as Progress

It’s the thing we all fear when we start any new project, like a looming shadow reminding us that our grand masterpiece could just as easily turn into a steaming pile of doggie doo doo. However, I don’t think failure is actually the villain here. In fact, it’s probably one of the best things that can happen to you. I know that sounds like I’m suffering from a good dose of toxic positivity right there, but let’s go with it for a second.

You see, failure is like the annoying, over-enthusiastic life coach of creativity. Sure, it’s irritating in the moment, but it’s there to push you, to make you uncomfortable, and ultimately, to help you grow. I know, I know—it’s not exactly the pep talk you were hoping for. But you may as well look on the bright side if you can.

When you mess up it’s not a sign that you’re terrible at what you do. It’s actually proof that you’re pushing yourself, trying new things, and venturing outside your comfort zone. And that’s where the good stuff is. That’s where growth lives, as you evolve into a thriving artist.

It’s uncomfortable and awkward, but eventually, you laugh about it and move on. The more you learn to embrace those missteps, the quicker you’ll realise they’re not setbacks at all. They’re just part of the process, little breadcrumbs leading you toward the bakery.

So, the next time you totally botch that painting, create that one wrong line in your illustration, or completely misunderstand the color wheel, don’t spiral into self-doubt. Instead, take a deep breath, laugh at the absurdity of it all, and recognise it for what it is: progress.

Every time you fail, you’re adding a new layer to your creative experience. You’re gathering data (a fancy way to say “learning what not to do again”), and with every failure, you’re one step closer to getting it right. In fact, failure is kind of like your very own creative GPS, constantly recalculating your route, helping you avoid the same dead ends.

So embrace failure. Invite it in, offer it a seat at the table, and let it do its thing. It’s not there to ruin your party, it’s there to help you throw a better one next time. And who knows? In the midst of all those missteps, you might just stumble upon something brilliant.