As children, we are encouraged to try new things and when we fail, we’re cheered on to try again.

Yet, as adults, we no longer celebrate failures as signs of courage and learning. Instead, we often hide them, viewing failure as something negative.

Failure has become shameful for many adults. But in reality, creativity is impossible without taking risks. To grow, improve, and stand out, we must try new things and experiment, even if it means failing sometimes.

Kids embrace creativity without fear. Ask a group of kids if they are creative, and they’ll all say “yes!” My 6 year old daughter proudly shares her drawings with me, often multiple times a day. This unfiltered creativity is something we lose as we grow older.

In contrast, many adults are hesitant to think of themselves as being creative and will stay within their comfort zone. This holds us back creatively. Failure isn’t something to be ashamed of; it’s only a waste if you don’t learn from it.

We should not hide from those mistakes but embrace them and lean into them, just like the beautiful Japanese art of Kintsugi.

In Kintsugi broken pottery is repaired, but instead of hiding the cracks, they highlight them in gold, creating something more beautiful and unique. The end result becomes even stronger then the original and look awesome.

Let’s create a culture where failure is seen as a learning opportunity, not a setback. By doing so, we can unlock our full creative potential and continue to innovate and grow.