Embracing the embarrassing beginnings

Have you ever felt that pit in your stomach when you look at your first attempt at something new? That feeling of "Oh no, this is terrible" as you stare at your wobbly sketch, taste your oddly-flavored dish, or read your clunky first draft?

Welcome to the world of embarrassment, my friend.

This feeling of "embarrassment" is a universal experience that every creator, artist, and innovator experiences. But it's necessary for growth.

The hard truth

Let's face it: nobody starts as a master. Every expert you admire once created something that made them want to hide under a rock. The difference? They pushed through it.

For example, Pablo Picasso's early works were not the masterpieces he's known for today. Ed Sheeran was rejected by music labels and struggled for years before his breakthrough. Khaled Hosseini's first drafts were likely far from the polished prose that made "The Kite Runner" a global phenomenon.

These stories remind us that the path to excellence is paved with awkward attempts and cringeworthy creations. It's not just okay; it's essential.

When you feel that cringe, remember: it's temporary, universal, and a teacher. It's a phase that we all need to get through to become better. But most people will not do it because it is hard, uncomfortable, and challenging.

So ask yourself: Do you want to be like most people, or do you want to push through?

Why "cringe" is your best friend

Here's the thing: cringe is a sign you're growing. It means you're stepping out of your comfort zone, trying something new, and challenging yourself. It's the price of admission to the land of improvement.

When you feel that cringe, remember:

1. It's temporary. Your skills will improve with practice.
2. It's universal. Everyone goes through this phase.
3. It's a teacher. Each "failure" is a lesson in disguise.

Understanding that your first few works is "shit" is a sign of growth. It means you have a taste. It means you know what's good, but you just don't know how to be good yet.

Embracing the embarassment

So, how do we get past the cringe and onto greatness?

Expect it: Know that your first attempts will be far from perfect. Set realistic expectations. The most important thing is you tried to do it in the first place.

Celebrate it: Each cringe-worthy creation is a milestone. You're one step closer to mastery. Take it easy!

Share it: Show your work to others. While some people can be a party pooper, you'll find most people are supportive and encouraging.

Learn from it: Analyze what doesn't work and use that knowledge to improve. This is how you improve yourself in the long run: learn from your mistakes.

Keep going: Persistence is key. Imagine the ideal version of yourself in the future. That person, the "you" in the future, has already kept going and gone through all of these. The only way out is through.

The beauty in the ugly

Remember, every masterpiece starts as a mess. Your "ugly" drawings, weird-tasting food, and awkward writings are not failures – they're the necessary steps on your journey to excellence.

So next time you feel that cringe, smile. It means you're on the right track. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you for pushing through these uncomfortable moments.

After all, the most beautiful flowers often grow from the messiest soil. Your cringeworthy creations today are the seeds of your future brilliance. Keep planting, keep growing, and watch your garden of skills bloom.

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.