Episode 118: How to Learn from Every Project and Remain Teachable
In today’s episode, I’m excited to share a lesson that’s been showing up in my own creative journey: the power of staying open to what our work is teaching us. It’s not just about getting better, it’s about being present and curious during the process! The more we lean into our work and reflect on what it’s trying to show us, the more we grow. I can't wait to share these insights with you — let’s dive in!
A Lesson In Pancakes
What seemed like a simple task of making pancakes this morning turned into a reminder of how much we can learn from every step — even the messy ones. The first pancake burned because I got the heat all wrong. The batter was too thin, and they turned out huge and hard to flip. But each little mistake taught me something new. It was a great reminder to stay present, adjust, and stay curious. Every part of the process is a lesson, and I’m excited to show you how to embrace them!
Creative Growth in Action: Lessons from Pixar’s Evolution
Pixar’s journey is a perfect example of creative growth. With each new film, they learned from their challenges and improved their technology. From the groundbreaking animation of Toy Story to the fur in Monsters, Inc., Pixar’s success is built on always learning and growing. The best part? You don’t have to get everything perfect right away. Learning as you go is what makes the journey so valuable. See Pixar Video I refer to here.
The Power of Reflection: What’s Your Work Teaching You?
Reflection can unlock so much growth in our creative journey. We often focus on the end result, but when we take a moment to ask ourselves, “What worked? What didn’t? Why?” — we uncover hidden gems of wisdom. Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re part of the adventure! Reflecting on these moments helps us refine our process and get better and better. I’ll share some questions that you can ask to make the time even more valuable.
Creative growth isn’t just about finishing projects — it’s about soaking up all the lessons along the way. Every step, every challenge, and every unexpected turn is an opportunity to grow. When we focus too much on the end result, we often miss the magic that happens in the process. So I encourage you to embrace the journey, reflect on what you're learning, and stay curious.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Every Creative Act Has a Lesson. Whether you’re making pancakes or working on a complex art project, every experience offers insights that can improve your future work—if you’re paying attention.
Mistakes Aren’t Failures—They’re Information. Challenges and mistakes are not signs of failure but valuable data that show what needs to be adjusted for better outcomes.
Growth Comes from Reflection, Not Just Repetition. Simply doing the work isn’t enough; reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and why is key to real creative growth.
Stay Present and Curious During the Process. Don’t rush to the finish line. Being observant and attentive in the moment helps you discover small lessons that can lead to big improvements.
Document Your Learning. Keeping a journal or jotting down insights from each project, big or small, can help you track growth and stay aware of recurring patterns.
Creative Success is Built on Layers of Learning. Like Pixar’s evolution in animation, each creative challenge builds the skills and knowledge needed for greater success in the future.
