Be Brave Enough To Suck At Something New

Many of us grapple with perfectionism, often shaped by well-intentioned but controlling influences from family members, teachers, or community leaders. As adults, we become paralyzed by the fear of failure or not meeting our own impossibly high standards, and this fear can stop us from trying anything new.

But what if we could shift our mindset? What if, instead of criticism, we started filling our minds with kindness, compassion, and empathy? What if we gave ourselves permission to try and fail without judgment—allowing ourselves to play, to “suck” at something, and still have fun in the process? It’s important to remember that the critical voices from our past are no longer with us, yet it’s our own internal voice that continues to tell us we’re not talented, not good enough, or not smart enough.

We need to challenge ourselves to be brave—to give ourselves the freedom to fail and to embrace the discomfort of it. This is where true self-discovery happens: in the mess, the mistakes, and the willingness to try. We hold the power to stop letting old fears or others' expectations hold us back. It’s time to make a new choice. Let’s give ourselves permission to be imperfect, to embrace who we truly are, and to enjoy the journey.