No One Starts Off at Their Best – Why We Need to Keep Going Anyway

“Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.” ~Pablo Picasso

This article is about the day I realized Picasso wasn’t born Picasso.

If you’re already opening Google to find what his name was at birth, I’ll save you the typing and tell you here…

Pablo Ruiz Picasso was his name. His baptismal name is wayyyyy too long, but it’s important.

He was a Picasso, yes?

But he wasn’t alwaysThe Picasso.

Let me explain by rewinding a few years back…

I was in Spain for one of my best friend’s weddings, and I decided to spend an extra couple of weeks exploring the country.

Exploring the city’s narrow streets and the cultural history was high up on my list. I also enjoyed endless tapas, and a few goblets full of some of my favorite gin cocktails.

Many of the Great Creatives are from Spain, or have left their marks in this beautiful country.

Simply stated, I was in Heaven.

The day that I first stepped into the Picasso Museum is a memory I will never forget. It was with great anticipation that I began my walk down Picasso Memory Lane.

Let me tell you… It was NOT what I was expecting.

First, confusion struck me.

“Wait, what? “Wait, what? Are you in the wrong spot? Am I supposed to think these are incredible works of art?”

I found myself in a state of confusion and began questioning what my knowledge was about the famous artist.

I’m no art buff, but I’d like to think I know a thing or two about a thing or two.

I was still feeling lost and confused as I moved through many rooms.

Walking into the next room felt somewhat bored. I tried my best to keep myself interested by tilting my head, nodding and simply taking in every detail.

And then BOOM!

It was.

This is the Picasso classic style that we are all familiar with. His famous, cube-like strokes as well as surrealistic images are what made him so popular.

The moment was overwhelming. It was a jaw-dropping moment for me, but it wasn’t because of the famous art I was staring at.

Because of all the non-famous art that I had seen to get there, it was a result.

That’s when it hit me.

PICASSO wasn’t born Picasso.

He didn’t come out of the womb a world-famous painter, forging the way into a new era of art. It was a work in progress. Every. Single. Day.

He was devoted to his art.

His dedication was to the work, the doing and the eventual realization of the art we now know.

My perception of the walls and rooms that had been previously decorated with art changed in an instant. These works of art were now badges of honour. Of hours upon hours of self-exploration… Learning new techniques, putting images to thoughts, feelings, experiences, and words.

These paintings are a testimony to his dedication to art and to himself.

He didn’t give up just because he wasn’t acknowledged or celebrated right away.

There were nearly the same number of years in which his work wasn’t placed on a pedestal than there were during his glory days.

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist who has been afraid of “getting it wrong” or not being “good enough,” I’m letting go of the need to get it right.

Yup, I’m doing it right now as I type. Eeks!

For me, this is a crucial moment.

I’ve realized I’ll never have the opportunity to “get it right” if I’m not willing to be okay with “getting it wrong.”

And let’s be honest, the whole concept of “getting it right” is something that we all need to throw out the door ASAP.

Let the “getting it wrong” begin and cheers to all of the ugly badges of honor I’ll create along the way.

I’m realizing more than ever that like art, the exploration of self and quite simply, just living our lives, should be focused on what fuels our souls, what makes our heart sing, what makes us feel good, what makes us glow from the inside out—not how we’ll be received.

Prioritizing what is true and good for us should always be our top priority.

There will be challenges in life, just like there are always tough times. However, imagine how much easier it could be to navigate these difficult times if we were to keep our joy alive while we work out the rest.

It’s what Picasso, I believe, did.

He didn’t care what was going on, he just took to the brush and to paper. This was his exploration and his expression, his therapy.

He was the greatest painter in his entire life and never gave up on painting.

I’m moving forward with a re-ignited, deepened knowing that while I may not be a painter, I am still the painter or rather, the creator, of my life.

I get to paint the next picture, and there’s something very liberating and exciting about this.

So, my question to you is simple….

What’s the next picture you want to paint? Would you be willing to let go of your worries about making the best possible work?

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