Sometimes we as creative leaders are our own worst critics. We often don't appreciate the talent we have been given or the skill we have mastered. We have a difficult time accepting praise from others. Sometimes we don't even want to let others see our work. We are afraid of what they may say.
We need to learn not to beat ourselves up over every minor mistake or perceived mistake. Mistakes actually are good things because they often lead to new creative ideas. Don't let your mistakes knock you down. Find the opportunity in the mistake.
The Japanese have a concept called kintsugi which is the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold, silver or platinum. The artist treats the breakage and repair as part of the history of the object, not as something to be thrown out or hidden. The artist embraces the flaws and imperfections.
As creative leaders, we need to stop trying to be perfect and, instead, embrace our flaws and imperfections. We need to incorporate our flaws into our work. We need to find the beauty within the ugly. We need to enjoy what our flaws have to teach us.
