I planned on doing a video blog last year. The problem was, I was scared of looking silly on camera (inevitable, trust me) and hated that I didn’t have the ability to create a television-ready broadcast complete with studio lighting and zippy Flash intro. I was daunted by the fact that I had no clue how to get professional results using an amateur video editing program.
Really, how ridiculous is that? But because I was putting all this pressure on myself to create something perfect the first time around (I do this often, and it is often the source of my frustration), I was so afraid to tackle the project that it never got done.
Do you know how good you get or how much you learn from doing nothing? Mmm-hmm, you guessed it. Zero equals zero. Even I know that, and I got C’s in math. Except in geometry, which is the biz. Anyway.
I had to give myself permission to mess up. Not only did I give myself permission to mess up (because why do things halfway?), I made it mandatory.
I said to myself,
Self. You must make a big honkin’ mess of this whole thing. When you’re finished, it should be blatantly obvious to anyone who watches that you are a goofball and a complete amateur. The results should be so horrifically bad that you never want to show anyone for fear of public shaming by a mob of angry villagers wielding torches.
And then you’ll post it for all to see.
When I changed my mindset, screwing up became my goal. And guess how much I learned? A lot more than I did waiting to magically achieve newscaster-esque perfection on the first go-round using a program I’ve only used a few times.
Note to self: face powder is a must. Sigh.
So, I’m passing on the assignment. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself and find something to really f*ck up. Create a really ugly website using tables(!); take blurry, grainy pictures of the weeds in your garden; make an ice cream and fried chicken casserole; wear white patent leather sandals with fishnets. DO IT. Own it. F*ck-ups lead to freedom.
Look, everybody messes up. Sometimes you have to just do it. It’s not a mistake if you learn from it, and if you learn something, you’re already moving forward.
You have my permission, so…what will you f*ck up?
Sweetie Pie
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STF + Radiant Cosmetics Giveaway WINNER!
Tumblr Tuesday: Book Tornadoes and Blonde Brownies
Current Obsession: Liberty Print Dunks
Thank you for this post. I’ve been avoiding a huge assignment all week. I’m going to read this before I go home. If I go into it with this mindset, I’ll at least be brave enough to start. And that’s huge for me.
Getting started is absolutely the hardest part–and it’s 99% mental. Good luck on your assignment!
You’re wearing a great belt.
Thanks! Found it at H&M loooong ago.
Love the vlog! You have a great speaking voice! Tell Kitty to stop trying to steal your airtime!
He was all up in my space, huh?
*Cartman voice* “No, kitty! This is mah vlog!”
Oh and you my dear are no Fuck up!
LOL! I brought that hat! I bought it at a vintage shop. It always fell off my head…pinning it to your hair is a good idea. It looks adorable on you.
I should’ve known that was one of your crazy finds! I’m really excited about wearing it when the weather cools off. Like, unreasonably excited.
You are too cute at the end, after your logo again….lol…
Love this blog…it’s my favorite of yours so far. Not just because your video was pretty cool, but I liked what you had to say. Especially what you had to say to yourself…heh. I think more people need to not only give themselves permission to screw up more often, but to make it a goal.
I hope you don’t mind, I liked it so much I shared the link on my facebook
Of course I don’t mind! Thanks!
I was at that swap, it was great! Hella hot though.
Wow…that’s exactly how I feel about creating vlogs about anything. I make videos all the time, but I feel like I don’t have “studio” quality vids. But when I read your post and thought about it…people are concerned about the content. Everything will essentially fall into place. So I think I’m motivated to go home and actually upload one of my 20+ videos.
Do it! You’re absolutely right–people care more about what you say/do.
dude, you’re awesome.
I adored this post!! I’ve been fearful of doing a vlog of my own because of the same reasons. You did a fabulous job and it looks like you picked up some dope items from that swap. Thanks again for posting!
Girl, there were nothing wrong with that video! Lol. Great finds. I’m going to look up clothing swaps cuz I know they have got to have some good ones here in NY.
Hello, caught a few photos of u on luckymag.com ‘HeadToToe’. First impression, “Woah! this chick is way to stuffie for me. Yet I checked ur blog out any who (black girl w/natural hair,gatta atleast check her out)….Totally won over by your post; you write more genuine than ur photos show, I appriecate your personality! If it suits, have more fun during your shoots. Chic Flare Is Cleaver, but Honest Adorability Wins Hearts!