Why should I try if I'm just going to fail?

Because my cat, Mina, says you should.

It can feel hopeless to fail repeatedly. It can be hard to see the things you put so much work into be less perfect than you feel they should be or not as good as someone else's work.

For years, society has made it feel like you can only show your best, unflawed self. Social media has both reinforced and countered that belief. We see so many people with filters and their best work on display that it's hard to believe there's a place out there for our very flawed selves, and our very simple and unrefined work. But there is. In the last few years we have seen people showing up authentically with their flaws, uncomfortable emotions, and raw, first draft work. I believe it helps us be closer and have more empathy for each other. It's important to know that no one is perfect. No one starts at their best. You don't see it, but behind their perfect presentation are hundreds of failures and less impressive attempts.

It's so important not to fear failure. You will fail. Everyone will. No one is 100% successful.

One of the ways I keep from being overwhelmed by the expectation of perfection is to think of each project as a step. I'm not going to have the best work out there if it's my first attempt and their 500th. The first attempt is step one. The important thing to remember is that they went through steps as well. And each step may be a failure. It's not perfect. But that's ok. It has failed to be perfect, but it has succeeded in being a lesson. It taught me things.

If I learn something from every mistake or failure, then I am getting closer to my goal.

Another thing to remember is that not every project is going to look or end the way you thought it would, but that doesn't necessarily make it a failure. Sometimes unexpected results are the quirk that cause people to identify with a piece of art or music. Looking at where and why you failed can help you determine what your particular strengths are.

Lastly, sometimes it's ok to do things just for the enjoyment of trying or doing a thing. Perfection isn't necessary. Quality isn't necessary. If you like the way it feels to work with polymer clay, do it. It doesn't have to be profitable or perfect if it is something you enjoy. In fact, trying a thing and deciding you hate it is gives you important information. It tells you not to invest your energy in that thing anymore.

Failure teaches us. It gives us chances to try new approaches, helps us learn where our strengths and weaknesses lie, and makes us more empathetic to others when they fail. It's important to set goals and work toward achieving those goals, but equally important to understand that failures are part of reaching those goals.

And you will reach your goals if you keep trying and don't let failures stop you. Don't let them overwhelm you. Use them as the stepping stones they are.

Now go fail at stuff and learn fun things!