Everything's embarrassing
"In the world of innovation, being a bit embarrassed by your first product is a rite of passage. It means you're pushing boundaries." ~ Sara Blakely
I love this quote. As I reflect on the work I contributed to product launches even a couple of years years ago, that familiar feeling surfaces. Yet, considering how far I've come, it's a testament to growth. I believe this sentiment extends beyond product launches as well; it echoes in anything we as humans put out into the world creatively. Truth is, when I think about my writing, there are times when I look back and cringe ever so slightly. I fully expect to feel this way about the work I publish for some time, especially as a beginner, while I work out the kinks.
Other innovators, like Sara, share similar sentiments about the work we launch and when we decide to launch it. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, says "If you're not slightly embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late." There's beauty in imperfection and honestly, the return on investment (ROI) you gain from adding more features or polish to something you don't know will gain adoption or in any way be successful, isn't really worth it. Striking a balance is key - not pursuing perfection out of the gate but reaching a point where you deliver a 'Minimum Lovable Product' (MLP) seems to make sense. Diverging from the common term 'Minimum Viable Product' (MVP), the MLP not only satisfies basic functionality but infuses features or elements that foster an emotional connection with users.
This mindset prompts a shift in how we approach creation. In writing, the aim is not perfection but emotional engagement. As long as the work speaks to me and potentially captivates someone out there, I'm content at this point in my writing journey. For the products you're launching, the standard, 0f course, should be higher but the sentiment remains the same.
In the continuous journey of creation, whether it's crafting words or launching products, embracing the notion of being slightly embarrassed is a powerful acknowledgment of growth. It's a rite of passage, a sign that we are pushing boundaries and venturing into uncharted territories. I think it's important that we celebrate the beauty in imperfection, appreciate refinement, and strive not for perfection but for that sweet spot - the creation that is not just viable but lovable, imperfect yet captivating.
In the end, it's the emotional connection that truly matters, both in the stories we tell and the products we launch. As Sky Ferreira aptly puts it, "everything's embarrassing" and I think that's what makes us human. Embracing those cringe-worthy moments is what connects us and makes our stories and creations real.