Earlier this week, I was sitting at a table with Charlie (who handles my customer service) and she asked, "What makes everything work for you?" And for once, I was transported back in time. Over 10 years ago, I heard someone answer the same question, and I realized that their answer was exactly the same as mine. Spoiler alert: not everything works, of course ;-)
more Read moreFlops and failures
It might seem to outsiders that everything works out, but that's not true at all. My life (not just as an entrepreneur or artist, but also just in general, of course) is littered with flops and failures, like everyone's life. Not everything is a success. An illustration regularly ends up in the trash, I sometimes create products that aren't received with enthusiasm, and I sometimes make the wrong business decision. Just... that's part of it.
We never see it, are you hiding it?
Haha, no way! I sometimes share something about it when things are on my mind. I blog and always write about what's on my mind, failure or not. But it all has to do with how I've learned to approach life. And that answer I heard someone give me over 10 years ago—apparently, I carry it with me! What was that answer?
Don't get stuck
So someone asked a person who wrote books and did all sorts of things that made her seem/is successful: "How come everything works out for you?" She looked at the room with a puzzled expression, and I'll never forget her answer. Surprised, she said: "But not everything works out; in fact, most things don't! But I don't dwell on it too much and move on to something else."
And that's what I do. If something doesn't work out, I get frustrated (naturally!), shake it off, and quickly refocus on something else. Sometimes it goes a little faster, sometimes a little slower, but there's no point in getting stuck. That won't make me feel any better, and moving on to a new idea, a new painting, or a new plan usually helps!
Not convinced yet?
I can almost hear you thinking: "Yeah, but it's easy for you to say, because..." So, it's time to take a moment to reflect on some flops and failures. Years ago, I made and self-published a picture book. I now have six boxes left, and I think it's downright awful. I've even donated some of them. Another example: I had the most beautiful mugs made from high-quality porcelain. Little did I know that no one cares about beautiful porcelain and therefore doesn't want to pay that much for a mug... One more: I decided I needed a new Sinterklaas illustration, though I felt a bit reluctant. But it was a good idea, so I got to work, even though I knew that usually doesn't work for me. Result: a complete failure and thrown in the trash. So, this year (for now) no new Sinterklaas illustration.
The very last one: I thought I was being clever by buying cardboard in bulk for art prints—you guessed it, my studio is chock full of them. Suddenly I decide to stop with a certain size... I'm stuck with that expensive cardboard! Well, the very last one just popped into my head: two weeks ago, the new envelopes for the cozy UP arrived. I unpacked them: typo... I could have cried (a few thousand euros in printing costs, yuck!), luckily I was able to solve it creatively with a sticker, but it's still a hassle!
Energy
Even now, as I write this, I notice it: these things drain your energy if you dwell on them. Don't get me wrong, looking back and learning from your "mistakes" is certainly a good thing. But dwelling on them or constantly bringing them up again doesn't work. My mind automatically shifts to something else, the painting I'm currently working on or the new collection coming up with some really fun things. In short: things that do work! Result: I feel better.
Resilience and positivity
I secretly believe that dealing with failure this way is a quality entrepreneurs can learn a lot from. You have to dare, be bold, adapt, and be adaptable. A dose of resilience and positivity is the result. And I notice I'm also becoming stronger in life. Setbacks become more manageable, I focus more easily on the good things and don't get bogged down in hassles for too long. In short: keep moving and focus on "what can be done." That makes us more resilient!
PS: Below you'll see part of the new collection, which might be a big hit, or maybe there are some flops in there—you never know!
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