fail boldly

Apr 30, 2025

disrupting yourself at risk - 8.5x11” collage

Maybe you think that if you just had more time you could finally do the thing.

But, the truth is, you'll never have enough of it. And even if by some miracle of chance you did, it still wouldn't the "right" amount, in the "right" place that you need.

When it comes to the "right time", there's no such thing.

Maybe you think that if you just took a few more classes, watched a few more tutorials, researched a few more brushes, pencils, notebooks, and pens, then you'd be equipped enough to do it. You'd finally be prepared.

But, the truth is, there's no instruction you can take, no lesson you can learn, nothing you can buy, that will unlock the magic.

time became associated - collage on polaroid photo

Maybe you think that’s depressing. Maybe it’s cause for despair or apathy. But, the truth is, that it’s good news. Because it’s worse than you think.

You'll never get the chance. You'll be given the opportunity. You'll never be ready. You'll never get permission. You'll never be validated You'll never be good enough. You'll never be smart enough. And no matter what Stuart Smalley says, enough people will never like you.

Maybe you think that sounds like bad news. But, the truth is, it’s liberating. It means you’re free to do whatever you want. However and whenever you want to. All your ideas about preparedness, all your notions regarding what it means to be ready, all your concerns about knowledge and ability and skill, are burdens to heavy to carry. So why not put them down?

a compendium of knowledge - 5.5x8.5” collage

You don't need talent.

You don't need skill.

You just need to care enough to begin.

You just need space enough and grace enough to fail.

That's how beauty gets found. That's how meaning gets made.

"The magic is that there is no magic", Seth Godin says, "Start where you are", and "Don't stop".

Keep going.

Fail boldly.