Designed Life Challenge day 13
Designed Life Challenge, Day 13
The Beautiful Struggle
Writing prompts:
What’s your current ‘beautiful struggle’? Write about the challenges you’re facing and what it will be like to overcome them.
What is your most cherished piece of wisdom that you learned from doing something very hard?
What are the challenges you’ve experienced that you are the most grateful for?
Vault:
How Challenges Shape Growth
Every creative journey comes with its fair share of struggles. Some are minor setbacks, while others feel like mountains that take years to climb. But through every challenge, there’s an opportunity to grow, refine skills, and build resilience.
The Loft That Waits
Right now, I don’t have a project that I’d call a “beautiful struggle” in the traditional sense. Most of my client work is progressing steadily, with a few projects waiting on meetings or technical drawings. But if I had to choose one challenge that lingers in my mind, it would be my unfinished home project: a loft in the living room.
I designed it years ago. I made the sketches, bought the tools, and envisioned how it would transform our space. Yet, between work, family, and other commitments, the time and energy to execute it never aligned. It’s a reminder that even when you have the knowledge and resources, execution is a different battle.
Completing it would be more than just finishing a construction project. It would bring relief, a sense of accomplishment, and most importantly a space that improves our home’s functionality and makes my family happy.
Lessons from the Hardest Work
Throughout my career, I’ve learned one simple truth: persistence pays off. Every skill I value today came from pushing through difficult moments. Learning software without online resources, navigating projects through trial and error, and continuously refining my work, none of it was easy, but it all shaped me into the professional I am today.
There were times when projects felt overwhelming, but I never let them stop me. Instead, I took small, manageable steps, learning as I went. With each challenge, I gained more than just technical skills: I gained confidence.
Growth Through Challenges
Looking back, I see how every struggle has contributed to my growth. The skills I once struggled with are now second nature. The setbacks that felt frustrating in the moment pushed me to refine my processes. Even now, I still face challenges, but my approach has evolved:
- Breaking large projects into small, actionable steps
- Accepting that no project will ever be truly “perfect”
- Learning to balance ambition with reality
- Finding motivation in the progress, not just the end result
Struggles don’t mean failure, they mean you’re pushing your limits, learning, and evolving. The key is to recognize the value of the journey, even when the destination feels far away.
Reflection
Challenges have a way of shaping us, whether we acknowledge them in the moment or not. Looking back, I can see how every obstacle, every skill I had to teach myself, every project that tested my patience, every moment of doubt, played a role in the professional I am today. The struggle, as frustrating as it can be, is often where the best lessons are learned.
What I’ve realized is that persistence and adaptability are more valuable than perfection. I may not always have the time or energy to complete personal projects, but I’ve learned to push through the roadblocks in my work. And while unfinished ideas will always exist, the real achievement lies in the experience gained along the way.
If you missed Day 12, we explored how taking action, despite procrastination or self-doubt, can help move creative projects forward. Read it and keep pushing your ideas into reality! 🚀
Discover how working with your natural creative rhythms can shape your best ideas. Read Design Challenge Day 11
Missed Day 10? Read about The Art of Good Enough
Every design decision, big or small, shapes the way a space feels and functions. But how do you make those choices with confidence? Day 9 explored instinct, experience, and the delicate balance between creative vision and practical execution. If you haven’t read it yet, take a look and reflect on how trusting your instincts can elevate your work.
If you’ve ever found yourself abandoning personal projects or struggling to complete something meaningful, Day 8: The Completion Mindset might just give you the perspective shift you need. Explore why some projects stay unfinished, how to recognize what’s truly worth completing, and when to let go without guilt.
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