Cut Out Negative Self-Talk: Embrace Progress Over Perfection

A Handmade Seller’s Guide to Self-Growth and Creative Freedom

It’s time to cut out the negative self-talk. In our handmade journey, we often set sky-high standards, chasing perfection in every stitch, brushstroke, and product detail. But here’s the truth: no one is perfect. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Today, let’s explore how ditching that inner critic can fuel self-growth, creativity, and ultimately, a more authentic and successful handmade business.

Embrace Imperfection: The Truth About Being Human

Every handmade seller knows that our work is a labor of love. Yet, in our quest for flawless products, we sometimes fall victim to negative self-talk. We obsess over tiny imperfections, comparing ourselves to an impossible ideal. But guess what? Imperfection is not only natural—it’s beautiful. It’s the little quirks and personal touches that make your creations unique and genuine.

When I started my journey with Orglamix, I spent countless hours tweaking every detail of my products. I remember agonizing (and crying) over a single design flaw in first batch of custom printed labels. I spent $700 which I did not really have at the time, convinced that even the smallest imperfection would drive customers away. Over time, I learned that these perceived flaws were simply part of the creative process—and often, they were what made my products stand out. Real progress comes from learning and growing, not from achieving an unattainable standard of perfection.

The Power of Progress Over Perfection

Negative self-talk can be paralyzing. It convinces you that every mistake is a failure. But the reality is, every mistake is an opportunity to learn, improve, and evolve. Shifting your mindset from perfection to progress means celebrating each step forward, no matter how small.

Here’s how to reframe your mindset:

• Focus on Growth: Instead of fixating on what didn’t go perfectly, celebrate what you’ve achieved. Every order fulfilled, every positive review, and every piece of feedback is a milestone in your journey.

• Set Realistic Goals: Break down big dreams into smaller, actionable steps. This makes progress tangible and gives you a clear roadmap to follow.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you offer to your customers. Recognize that creativity is messy, and that’s where the magic happens.

  
  

Actionable Steps to Cut Out Negative Self-Talk

1. Start a Progress Journal

• Action Item: Keep a daily or weekly journal where you record your wins, challenges, and lessons learned.

• Deep Value Insight: Tracking your progress not only reinforces your growth but also helps you see patterns and improvements over time.

• Example: At Wicked Good, I began documenting each step of our creative process—from initial sketches to final product launches. This practice reminded me of our progress and helped me overcome the urge to compare ourselves to others.

2. Reframe Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

• Action Item: Whenever you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, pause and ask, “What can I learn from this?”

• Deep Value Insight: Every mistake holds valuable lessons. Over time, these lessons accumulate into wisdom that can guide your future decisions and improvements.

• Example: I used to dread customer feedback, fearing criticism. But now, I see each comment as a chance to refine my craft and better serve my community.

3. Surround Yourself with Positivity

• Action Item: Build a supportive network of fellow handmade sellers, mentors, and creative friends who uplift you and share their own journeys.

• Deep Value Insight: A positive community can buffer against self-doubt. Sharing experiences and successes helps reinforce that progress, no matter how incremental, is still progress.

• Example: Join online communities, attend local artisan meetups, or even start a mastermind group with other handmade entrepreneurs. These connections can provide both practical advice and emotional support.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

• Action Item: Create a ritual for celebrating milestones—whether it’s a special treat, a social media shout-out, or a small celebration with your team.

• Deep Value Insight: Celebrating small wins builds momentum and reminds you that progress is being made every day.

• Example: At Orglamix, every time we launched a new product or reached a sales milestone, we celebrated as a team. These moments of joy fueled our motivation and helped us stay focused on growth rather than perfection.

5. Set Up a “No Comparison” Zone

• Action Item: Limit your exposure to environments that trigger negative self-talk, such as endless social media scrolling or constant comparisons with competitors.

• Deep Value Insight: Creating boundaries is essential for maintaining mental well-being and creativity. Focus on your journey, and let your unique story shine.

• Example: I schedule regular “digital detox” periods where I step away from social media, allowing me to recharge and refocus on my creative projects without the distraction of comparisons.

Shifting Your Focus: The Benefits of a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset isn’t just about feeling better—it has real, tangible benefits for your business. When you shift your focus from perfection to progress, you open yourself up to innovation, creativity, and long-term success. Here’s how:

• Increased Productivity: When you’re not bogged down by the need to be perfect, you can move faster and try new ideas without fear of failure.

• Better Decision Making: A growth mindset encourages experimentation and learning, which leads to smarter, data-driven decisions.

• Stronger Customer Connections: Authenticity resonates. When you share your true journey—complete with its ups and downs—customers are more likely to connect with your brand on a personal level.

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.This shift in perspective is crucial for indie entrepreneurs, especially in the handmade world, where creativity and resilience are the foundations of our success.

Real-World Impact: How Embracing Progress Transformed My Business

I’ve seen the power of a growth mindset firsthand in my own journey with Wicked Good and Orglamix. In the early days, I was my own worst critic, obsessing over every detail and fixating on what I hadn’t achieved yet. But once I started celebrating progress over perfection, everything changed.

Here’s what happened:

• Enhanced Creativity: By letting go of unrealistic standards, I was free to experiment more. I tried new designs, took risks, and ultimately created products that truly resonated with my customers.

• Improved Customer Satisfaction: When I stopped stressing over minor imperfections, I was able to focus on delivering a memorable customer experience. My customers noticed the genuine passion behind my work, and it translated into higher engagement and repeat sales.

• Personal Growth: Most importantly, embracing progress transformed my mindset. I became more resilient, learned to see challenges as opportunities, and built a stronger, more authentic brand.

How to Maintain Momentum and Keep Growing

Cutting out negative self-talk is not a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process. Here are some tips to maintain a growth mindset and ensure continuous progress:

1. Regular Reflection and Goal Setting

• Action Item: Set aside time each week or month to reflect on your progress and set new goals.

• Deep Value Insight: Reflection helps you recognize your achievements and identify areas for improvement, keeping your growth on track.

• Example: Maintain a monthly journal where you record your wins, challenges, and lessons learned.

2. Invest in Self-Care

• Action Item: Prioritize activities that rejuvenate your mind and spirit—whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or simply a quiet moment with a good book.

• Deep Value Insight: Self-care is essential for maintaining creativity and productivity. When you feel good, your work naturally improves.

• Example: Schedule regular breaks during your workday and set aside time for activities that bring you joy.

3. Learn and Grow Constantly

• Action Item: Commit to continuous learning—attend workshops, read industry blogs, and connect with mentors who inspire you.

• Deep Value Insight: The more you learn, the more you grow. Education not only boosts your skills but also reinforces your belief in your own progress.

• Example: Join online communities or local groups where you can share knowledge and support one another.

4. Celebrate Every Milestone

• Action Item: Recognize and celebrate both big and small achievements.

• Deep Value Insight: Every milestone is a stepping stone to greater success. Celebrating them reinforces a positive mindset and motivates you to keep moving forward.

• Example: Treat yourself to a small reward or share your success with your community on social media.

The Journey is Yours: Embrace It Fully

At the end of the day, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Every challenge, every mistake, and every victory is a part of your story. Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to someone else’s highlight reel. Instead, focus on your progress, learn from every experience, and keep pushing forward.

Your handmade business is a labor of love—and every bit of progress matters. By cutting out negative self-talk and embracing a growth mindset, you’ll not only enhance your creativity and productivity but also build a more resilient, authentic brand that resonates with your customers.

It’s time to cut out the negative self-talk and stop chasing an unattainable perfection. Instead, focus on progress and self-growth. Embrace every little victory, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your unique creative journey. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a triumph. For indie entrepreneurs and handmade sellers, this mindset shift can be the difference between burnout and breakthrough.

Every day is a new opportunity to grow, create, and build the brand you’ve always dreamed of. Let go of perfection, embrace progress, and watch as your handmade business evolves into a thriving, authentic expression of your passion. TLDR: Progress over perfection makes goals happen.

xoxxo Cheri

Happy creating, keep shining your unique light, and here’s to a journey filled with growth, resilience, and endless creativity!