Wednesday, August 10

Trying vs Failing

I was answering some questions for an interview recently, and one of the questions was about how I got started making plush things.  As I was thinking it over, I remembered back to when I didn't do any sewing.  I didn't grow up sewing or being "crafty", I was actually the kind of person to tell you that I was the complete opposite.  Then I thought about it more, and I realized that this could be an encouragement for someone.

Right after I graduated high school, I had no real idea of what I wanted to do or be.  I often complained to Johnny that I wasn't good at anything and I didn't have any talents.  Though he tried to reassure me countless times, I still felt uncreative and lost.  I just assumed that people who were good at things just "got" them and I hadn't really "gotten" anything.  If only someone had said, "Sweetie, you have to explore.  Don't be afraid to TRY."  So, I'm here to say that to you.  Don't be afraid to explore things.  Don't be afraid to fail.  Don't be afraid to TRY. 

 (The source for this photo is unknown. Please leave me a link if you know where it came from.)

It's alright if you don't know who you are or what you are interested in.  It's okay to be scared of new things and even feel incredibly intimidated.  It's fine not to have it all figured out.  In a lot of ways I feel like I'm still sorting through that.  

One thing that I never admitted to myself was that being good at something is a bit of talent, but it is also a LOT of hard work.  There are many failures along the way, but you learn so much from them and grow all the more.  I'm not saying that I have everything totally figured out, but I do know that there was a point when I was afraid of trying because I was afraid of failing.  When I finally decided to believe in myself, it opened me up to so much.  Now I feel pretty satisfied doing something that I'm really proud of.

If you are someone who knows what they want and is driven to make it happen, I completely admire you.  Many others may also admire you.  A little encouragement goes a long way... maybe you could pass a little on as well.  :)  xoxo Katie

60 comments:

  1. Beverly HouptAugust 10, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    Thank you, I really needed this today :)

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  2. Jo - Lost in the HazeAugust 10, 2011 at 1:54 AM

    I love this inspirational post :) It is so lovely that you persisted; you toys are truly amazing!

    x
    Lost in the Haze

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  3. elsieAugust 10, 2011 at 1:54 AM

    you're the best.

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  4. TaylorAugust 10, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    I have the exact opposite problem which, if you can believe it is equally frustrating.
    I have too many interests and passions and creative outlets that I am good at (please don't take this as bragging!) and so I can't focus or plan where I want to go career wise.
    I know this much though, All I want to do is open a bakery and be a Mom.
    I've never felt like college was for me or necessary at all but here I am and such is life.
    I feel like I am wasting time being lost in everybody's expectations for now.
    It is so interesting to witness or recount people whom I admire's humble beginnings and relate. This is one of my all time favorite posts by you! ♥
    And I think that you are magic too.

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  5. UnknownAugust 10, 2011 at 3:18 AM

    This made me smile this morning, as I've just graduated from uni, and have come to the drop off point and many of us discussed while in our 3rd year. My interests lie in anything textiles and crafty - would love to find a job in costume theater design soon, for the time being I'm sticking to my 9 to 5 job.
    However saying this I am volunteering with a theater company through this summer and it's going really well... and after this one I'm working with another.
    So watch this space.

    Have a great day x

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  6. xoDanielleAugust 10, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    What a great post! I went through the exact same thing before I found sewing, I desperately wanted a creative outlet. A quote that I stumbled across recently sums it up pretty well,"anything worth doing is worth doing badly". That and the secret weapon we all possess is practice, it seems like so many people avoid hard work and think people magically get good at stuff, but if you don't enjoy that part of it then whats the point.

    I like going through people who I admire flickr sets and looking at their old work. Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane for example, she has come so far when you look at her early work, now she cant construct anything! It's very inspiring(as is watching you progress in your skill:) Thank you for this post and your inspiration/motivation.

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  7. UnknownAugust 10, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    So true...

    It is also important to remember that it can take many "trying" times (double meaning intended) before things start to work out and fall into place.

    I am about to embark on a big adventure and career change so posts like this help me see that short term pain often means long term gain; personally, financially, spiritually...

    Thank you for the reminder and the inspiration!
    x

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  8. EleniAugust 10, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Thank you! My problem is impatience...I get really frustrated over how long it takes to knit a top, or take up a hem, or make a Christmas card. I always try and be honest on my blog about what a pain in the ass the process can be, because because say to me "Oh, I wish I could do that" and I feel like I'm not particularly talented, but when I put the work in, yes I can (mostly!) get results. It's nice to be reminded that even full-time, successful crafters like yourself had to work hard to get where they are. Sometimes it all looks so rosy in Blogland, so it's nice to be reminded that practise makes perfect :)

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  9. LaAugust 10, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    I'm so happy to read this! I had the exact same experience. I used to be so upset thinking I had nothing I was good at - I didn't have a hobby. I didn't know what I liked. But now, thanks to crafting and blogging, I feel like I have lots of hobbies. You are such an inspiration Skunkboy!

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  10. KatieDidIttAugust 10, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    I have always had the same problem.. This is so great to read because I feel like we all need a little reassurance sometimes. Way inspiring!! This is going to give me a great start to my day :)

    http://katiediditt.blogspot.com/

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  11. deanna@delirious-rhapsodyAugust 10, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    i actually wrote a post about talents yesterday. i didn't realize what mine were until i was much older either. :)

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  12. UnknownAugust 10, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Thank you for that post! It is so great for those of us still searching, to see that those who have found were once looking too.

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  13. KatAugust 10, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    thank you for this. nice to know that i'm not the only one who has to search!

    http://breatheandhush.blogspot.com/

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  14. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Great post to read first thing in the morning when I plan to get a lot of writing done. - such a lonely process. My biggest problem when it comes to most things is patience and discipline. I can get so distracted and of course, having a 17 month old doesn't help matters! :) Wouldn't trade her for anything though.

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  15. Chelle LynnAugust 10, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    I have felt exactly the same way (and said exactly the same things to my husband!) I've only recently been ready to try new things without the absolute assumption that I will fail at them. Life is short! We must be brave and bold and jump in wholeheartedly!

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  16. EmilieAugust 10, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Thank you...I so much needed that today...this week...ummm ok ok...this decade

    and also thank you to your lovely commenting readers. I know they re writing to you but it's so full of nice feelings that I couldn't restrain myself.

    take care

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  17. larissa breeAugust 10, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    What a great post! Thanks so much for this!

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  18. SwayAugust 10, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Katie, really, THANK YOU! I can't tell you how wonderful it was to read this today. I've been feeling a little all over the shop lately and like I should have nailed down what I want to do by now. So thank you for the encouragement, it really spoke to my heart today. :)

    You rock!
    Luvluv,
    Sway xx

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  19. Lavender for LemonAugust 10, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    I have watery eyes, tear streaming down my face reading this. You pretty much described my creative block that I'm struggling with right now. Thank you for this. I think I will be rereading this post a lot when I need that boost of encouragement. Thank you for sharing Katie.

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  20. The PonycatsAugust 10, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Thank you for sharing this(:
    You re right to get to be good at something requires a LOT of work and a process.
    Sometimes I forget that...

    Have a wonderful day talented girl(:

    Carmila Ponycat

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  21. laura grossAugust 10, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Today I'm thankful for this blogpost and the encouragement you are so willing to share!

    Thank you thank you thank you!

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  22. UnknownAugust 10, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    I needed this encouragement too- thanks!

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  23. UnknownAugust 10, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    such a perfect encouragement! great post.

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  24. Paige NanceAugust 10, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    well said, thank you so much for this!

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  25. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Needed to hear this today. And I'm glad to see that a self confessed non crafter can make such beautiful things! x

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  26. MalloryAugust 10, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Beautiful post Katie! I too have always admired people who have something that they are completely passionate about, or have a special talent or niche. I felt the same way when I graduated high school...kind of all over the place with no real direction. I still feel that way at times, like I haven't found my calling, my 'thing.'

    This post WAS really inspiring to see that someone who has such an amazing talent and passion once felt the same way I have. Thank you for this!

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  27. ChickythingAugust 10, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    Thank you for this. Ive always thought that you knew what you wanted to do from the get go.its nice to know that im not alone in this. I hope you write more about your experiences and how you found out what you wanted to focus on.

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  28. AllieAugust 10, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    This what just what I needed to hear, Katie. I'm in the exact same position that you used to be in. I don't know what I'm good at, or what I really want to do. I admire and envy people who have a natural artisic talent, because I have to work so hard at it. It can be discouraging at times.
    It's reassuring to know that you, with as passionate and talented as you are, once felt the same way.
    I do hope that you'll share more about how you found your niche!

    Thanks, Katie!
    xo, Allie.

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  29. Becky FarleyAugust 10, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    :) this was a great post! I didn't start sewing til I got out of highschool too - too worried about the wrong things ;) glad to see I'm not alone!

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  30. KatAugust 10, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Lovely post, so true. I have often felt the same. I start new projects pretty much every week, sewing, knitting, crochet, baking etc...it sure keeps me busy. I think it's ok not to be 'amazing' at something the key is to enjoy whatever it is that you're doing...I have lots of aims for the rest of the year, learn to use the sewing machine that's gathering dust under the stairs, bake without a recipe (eeek), start playing the sax again...I like to be a jack of all trades. One day I'll find my niche. Really great post.x

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  31. StephanieAugust 10, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    I would LOVE to hear your love story with Johnny! Have you guys dated since highschool?! So sweet!

    Love,
    Stephanie May*

    http://www.maydae.com

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  32. Diana August 10, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    love you, katie.

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  33. TeresaAugust 10, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Great post Katie! I grew up feeling the same way about not being creative or good at anything, and am I still realizing what I can do if I just keep working my crafty/creative muscles :)

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  34. LaceyAugust 10, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Perfect perfect! Thanks for this. Here's to trying hard to do something new today! =)

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  35. Sécia MischkeAugust 10, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Well said in every way.

    ♥ sécia
    www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

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  36. kelly annAugust 10, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    I love every single word of this, Katie. You are a HUGE inspiration and I really, truly admire you so much. <3

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  37. Jill - LUNEAugust 10, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Determination is more important than natural tallent, because it's earned rather than what comes easy. I think you're extreemly talented, and honestly, the way you create I imagine little Katie sitting in her bedroom stitchining toys way back. I respect you even more because you've had to work harder for your craft. ;-D

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  38. vanessa joieAugust 10, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    i loved this post so much. sometimes i think something like "i wish i knew the piano." and then i sigh and think "well i don't play the piano." and i move on. i somehow completely forget (?) that i'm completely capable of learning the piano... or probably anything else. maybe it's the uncertainty or the fear of looking foolish or maybe i'm intimidated by the fear of playing the piano really badly for year... or two...

    anyway... thanks for the reminder. xo

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  39. AnonymousAugust 11, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    This is really helpful to me tonight :) Totally stressed out and frustrated with trying to figure life out lately. Thanks for the encouraging words! <3

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  40. AnzouyaAugust 11, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    Great post! So inspiring and gives us food for thoughts. Nothing happens overnight and you can't take anything for granted. You can be whoever you want to be. I should be saying that to myself more often... :-)

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  41. Sarah Nelson BurgerAugust 11, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    something i thought you would love as an accordion player! Love your blog! always upbeat and happy!


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxkE-EMjuac

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  42. arvee marieAugust 11, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Thank you! this is what I really needed to hear! Don't give up. ;D

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  43. Chloe MiklosAugust 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I have a similar problem, I love to sew and do anything art-related, but I have no idea what job is for me! I still have a couple years before college to figure this out, but it's driving me crazy. Thanks for the inspiring post, maybe I'll manage to figure something out in the next year or two. :)

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  44. lisaAugust 11, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Thank you so much for this post! I am another person having these thoughts all the time. It's easy to read blogs and think everyone had their dream path figured out from the beginning, so thank you for sharing this! I passed it along to another friend going through the same thing... :)

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  45. AJD ∞August 11, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    I so needed this right now... There are quite a few changes going on in my work schedule right now and I've been at a loss as to how to fill the time. In the back of my mind a little voice has been saying, "Learn to sew! Explore opening an Etsy shop for your photography!" But it's all so scary. I need to keep this blog post somewhere where I can see it.

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  46. Kacie - With LoveAugust 12, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    THIS is wonderful. I couldn't agree with what you said more. You and your words are inspiring.

    Kacie
    A Collection of Passions

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  47. MichelleAugust 12, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    I am so glad that I've stumbled upon this little post. I just began my senior year of high school and just as you were saying.. it all seems so incredibly intimidating. At school they kind of make us think that once this last year of high school is over, you have to know exactly what you want to do, right now, or you will not be a success in college. I do not believe in this. Just as you said... exploring new things... accepting failure... and working hard. That is how I foresee that I will figure out what I want to do in life. Thank you for your reassurance.. I believe in what you've said :)

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  48. Stephanie LoudmouthAugust 12, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Tweeted this post. Super inspiring.

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  49. AnonymousAugust 12, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    I graduated college a few years ago with a degree in a very specific technical field. It didn't take too long in the "real world" to decide that I do not want to pursue furthering my career in that field. It was not a good fit.

    After having that revelation, I felt so lost. My degree does not translate well to other career paths, and my options seemed slim to none. Did I seriously waste four years earning a useless degree? How do I explain my "change of mind" in future job interviews? Where do I go from here?

    Flash forward to the present. I have been blessed with a string of steady 9-5 jobs. They do not give me much creative fulfilment, but they pay my bills and afford me a modest lifestyle. For that I am thankful. I am still searching for my niche in the creative world, which is where I want to be. Perhaps the thing holding me back is my fear of trying and failing...again.

    Thank you, Katie, for sharing this inspiration. It was a reminder for me to reflect upon the events of the past few years, not with regret, but with hope! I am feeling very inspired.

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  50. TeddiAugust 12, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    very true. we always admire or see the finished product or end result, but what we don't know is all the time & effort put behind it. strong words, & sentiment dear katie.

    http://honeybeelane.blogspot.com/

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  51. AnonymousAugust 14, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!!!

    I just HAVE to say this. I hope I don't come across as too overzealous. When my friend showed me your etsy page two Christmas's ago (and bought me Frank the rabbit!) I fell madly in love with your talent. I came across your blog and I started to look up to you after a while! I just wanted to be when I grew up. Yet, I was so disheartened I kept complaining to my husband the exact same thing! I compared myself to you and other talented internet people loads as well. I thought there was nothing I had that was particularly special and nothing I would ever be good at. I thought you just were good at something or were forced into it by your parents when you were two.

    I was even feeling a bit bummed out about my lack of talent today and you have NO idea how much this post means to me!!! It's like exactly what I needed to hear magically popped up on your blog one day. And even though it's what my husband's been telling me, it's like "how am I supposed to believe that for all I know you were born with a sewing needle and Martha Stewart magazine in your hands!"

    I guess since you're pretty much a rock star too me it's really incredible to finally see the light as far as talent goes. This post is incredible!

    (oh, and if you're not put off by my little outburst of flattery I totally want to be bff's someday =])

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  52. Katherine - The Beauty of LifeAugust 15, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    Thanks for this post. Sometimes it's just nice to know that other people feel like that too and work hard and eventually make it work! Thanks for the inspiration to just keep plugging on ;)

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  53. Sarah RooftopsAugust 15, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Great post! So reassuring and encouraging.

    My problem is that I tend to lose interest in things as soon as I'm able to tick the "reasonably competent" box; I don't stick around to really master them. But I'm getting better about that...!

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  54. AlyssaAugust 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    "I often complained to Johnny that I wasn't good at anything and I didn't have any talents. Though he tried to reassure me countless times, I still felt uncreative and lost. I just assumed that people who were good at things just "got" them and I hadn't really "gotten" anything. "

    I just found your blog through Elsie's and after reading this post, I will definitely start following you too. That quote I copied over is something I have told my boyfriend countless times over the past year and a half. Sometimes I feel talent-less nor has anything peaked my interest since I was a little girl. I've never really known what I wanted to do with my life. But this post assured me. It's nice to know I'm not the only one in this boat (not that you still are!)

    So thank you. I really do think I'm going to buy a sewing machine now and TRY. Since fashion really has a piece of my heart. =]

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  56. AngelaSeptember 22, 2011 at 2:52 AM

    I'm so confused - I just spent the past 45 minutes back-reading through your posts after seeing a picture of one of your fashionista ensembles on Pinterest and I thought, "I want to see more of this cute chickie," and lo and behold, there IS so much more! CONFUSED, because all I was thinking for those 45 minutes was, "What can't this girl do, honestly?" (i.e. thrift, dress, sew, mother, photograph, cook, write...the list goes ooooon)

    Yeah, you're the kind of lass that makes it look easy, even if it's not. Also, so adorable to boot that I'm not sure I can keep reading you because my husband will worry about which way I am inclined.

    - A stumbler from down-under (New Zealand)

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  57. Melanie BDecember 11, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Oh Katie thanks for this post too. Wow you just got the words out of my head. I have felt like this so many times & still am trying to find my way.
    Mel xx

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  58. MsShutterbuggJune 21, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    My dream has been to go to New York for a semester or two to go to art school for my Masters. My parents are totally against this and it breaks my heart. My boyfriend of five years is extremely excited for me to go. But my parents are a little strict and don't think I'm ready for it. There are some health issues I need to work through in order to get my stuff together, but I am still determined to go!

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  59. JennNovember 21, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    YES! Thank you so much for linking to this in one of your newer blog posts!

    I also have that feeling of not being *good* at anything or having any particular good talents, and this post is so right on.. Thanks.

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  60. UnknownAugust 20, 2014 at 10:56 PM

    Yes, yes, yes. I have too many interests and most of the time I intensely focus on one thing for about a week or so and then bounce on to the next thing. So, I'm a jack of almost all trades but I've never really mastered anything. And the things that I seem to do really well at are things that I hate with a passion. I have always enjoyed making jewelry but I've been debating on how to take my craft to a more professional level. I think that I have that figured out (finally!). Thank you for sharing this inspirational post, it is exactly what I needed to read!

    -Lara
    http://methodicalliving.blogspot.com

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