 So I have this sticky note by my computer, and it's the same note that I have taped to my journal and pinned to the corkboard in my office. It reads, this could fail. This could fail. This could fail. I know it sounds negative and maybe even pessimistic, but actually it's the opposite. For me, this could fail is a reminder that every single creative act is an experiment. It might work, it might fail, but if it fails, it doesn't make me a failure as an artist or a writer or a teacher. Because every failure is another step closer to success. But it's more than simply a do-over card. It's also a clarion call to take creative risks. It's a reminder to write blog posts even when I'm not sure what my audience will think. It's a reminder to sketch out these videos even when I don't feel like a real artist. It's a reminder to keep working on a novel even when I'm afraid it won't turn out right. Sure, I can take the safe route. But I'd rather take a plunge into the creative unknown. I'd rather do things that I find challenging because ultimately that's where the creative life is found.