“You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”
— Octavia E. Butler
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“You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” — Octavia E. Butler. Perfectionism tells us to quit before we even begin, but persistence reminds us that growth is a messy, beautiful journey. What is something you are working on right now, even if it feels a little messy? Let me know in the comments below! 👇✨
About this quote
We live in a culture that often demands instant perfection, making us hesitant to begin anything new unless we are already experts. But Octavia E. Butler’s profound words remind us that the journey of personal growth and creative mastery is inherently messy. Every masterpiece, every successful life, and every profound breakthrough starts with messy, imperfect beginnings and the humbling realization that we still have so much to learn. Embracing this reality is deeply liberating. When you give yourself permission to write 'crap'—to stumble, fail, and create imperfectly—you remove the heavy burden of perfectionism that paralyzes your potential. The secret isn't innate talent; it is the quiet, stubborn resilience to keep showing up day after day. Through persistence, your inner critic softens, your skills sharpen, and you slowly transform your raw efforts into something truly meaningful.
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Photo by JESUS ECA on Unsplash
