Embracing the unfinished journey: Why not finishing the 100-day project isn’t failure
Almost 20 years ago, Michael Bierut, an award-winning graphic designer and educator at the Yale School of Management, gave his students an assignment with a future, global impact.
Bierut asked his students to develop one design idea a day for 100 days.
The students combined their interests in film, photography, writing and crafting and committed to developing projects for the next 100 days.
Bierut’s idea involved working on a project every day. The only restriction being that the idea must be repeated in some form, every single day.
Today, people around the globe share their projects on Instagram as part of the #100DaysofCreativity or #The100DayProject.
Around the globe, millions of people commit to 100 days of creativity. The #100DaysofCreativity project provides makers with community and inspiration.
Participants resolve to spend as little as 10 or 15 minutes a day (or more, depending on how much time they decide to spend on the project).
After about two weeks, the assignment can become repetitive, even tiresome. At the stage of boredom or resentment in the midst of any project, you might ask, why did you start this project? You might choose to stick with it even though it’s lost its appeal. After all, you’ve made a commitment. And maybe, if you’re lucky you will come out the other side with a finished work and a feeling of pride in yourself for completing the assignment.
Maybe you slacked off and didn’t finish your project. Then you have to deal with feelings of guilt or even depression. You might have felt excited at the beginning. Now you might feel deflated.
But take a step back and reflect on the journey. You’ll realize that failing to complete the 100 Day Project wasn’t a failure at all – it was an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Here's why:
1.Progress over perfection: While the 100 Day Project may have a clear endpoint, the real value lies in the journey itself. Every step taken towards our goals, no matter how small, is progress. It's about embracing the process, learning from setbacks, and celebrating every victory along the way.
2. Flexibility and adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes our best-laid plans are derailed by unforeseen circumstances. Failing to complete the project can teach us the importance of being flexible and adapting to change. It's about being kind to ourselves and understanding that it's okay to pivot when necessary.
3. Redefining success: We often equate success with achieving our goals within a set timeframe, but true success is about more than just reaching the finish line. It's about the lessons learned, the skills gained, and the personal growth that occurs along the way. Failing allows us to redefine what success means and to appreciate the journey, regardless of the outcome.
4. Self-compassion and resilience: Failing the 100 Day Project was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of self-compassion and resilience. It's about acknowledging our limitations, forgiving ourselves for our shortcomings, and having the courage to start again. It's about realizing that setbacks are not a reflection of our worth but an opportunity to strengthen our resolve and continue moving forward.
The 100 Day Project or the pursuit of any project is about self-empowerment.
In the end, you realize you have the power to decide how you will spend your time. And, if you push through, you can create both the art and the life you want.
Watch: A challenge that did get completed, February Daily
