Embracing Embarrassment

I wanted to write about something that isn’t often talked about by business owners or creatives—embarrassment. It’s a feeling I probably experience weekly, if not daily. I cringe at myself and the things I do; I wish I could crawl back into my box, but I do it all anyway. Why? Why put myself through this perpetual state of slightly awkward self-exposure? Why create situations that feel uncomfortable? And more importantly, why do I think a degree of embarrassment is essential for anyone pursuing their own path in life?

Embarrassment is, I believe, an inevitable part of taking risks—whether that’s raising your head above the parapet at work, building a business, or simply creating your first piece of art. I’d bet that 99% of people have that little voice in their head saying, “Who do you think you are to be doing this?” But the brave ones carry on regardless. And that’s what I want to explore in this article: I want to share some of personal experiences which feel intensely embarrassing and how I am working on reframing them into a sign that I'm doing something bold, growing as a person, and ultimately on the right track.

I also tell you all this in the hope that whenever you look at someone putting themselves out there, that you know they probably feel just like me, embarrassed. And to show them kindness in that moment when they feel so very exposed.