Learning to Love the Cringe (And Create Without Apology)

There’s this moment that happens every time I’m about to post something new. My finger hovers over the ‘publish’ button, and suddenly, this little voice kicks in. “Is this too much? What if it just… flops?” That familiar twinge of cringe settles in, and for a second, I wonder if it’s easier to just leave it in drafts forever. But here’s the thing—almost every time I’ve felt that cringe factor and posted anyway, it’s led to some of my best connections, biggest insights, and honestly, the work I’m most proud of. Because letting that feeling stop you? That’s the only real “cringe” out there.

Cringe as the Monster Under the Bed

That fear of being cringe is a lot like a monster under the bed. When we’re kids, that monster feels real, and we do everything we can to avoid it. As creators, cringe has the same effect. But here’s the reality—when you finally look “under the bed” and post that design or share that story, the monster turns out to be nothing more than shadows. That fear is usually just our brain’s way of protecting us from embarrassment, but what it ends up doing is keeping us from making our mark.

Some of the most successful creators I look up to have all started by pushing through their own “cringe” phase. They kept showing up, kept creating, even when they felt silly or exposed. Because those awkward moments? They’re the secret ingredient in growth. If you’re not risking a little cringe, you’re not pushing yourself enough.

Embracing the “Cringe” as a Sign of Growth

When I first started sharing my work, that fear of being cringe was almost constant. Whether it was a design or a personal post about my creative journey, I’d think, “Maybe I’ll just save this one for later…” But I pushed through, posting anyway, and realized something incredible: people actually connect with honesty and realness. Those cringe-worthy posts? They were often the ones that people commented on, related to, or messaged me about. I learned that what feels cringey to me can feel refreshingly authentic to someone else.

Realization #1: Embrace the Awkward Phase

Every creative journey has one. If it feels cringe, it probably means you’re pushing yourself beyond what’s comfortable. That’s where the magic happens.

The Magic of Showing Up, Cringe and All

Being willing to risk cringe is how you find your voice. You’ll make some mistakes, but you’ll also create things that surprise you—and resonate with others. Because the truth is, people don’t want perfection; they want connection. When you’re brave enough to show up authentically, flaws and all, people can relate to that. They see the real you, and that’s what builds a loyal following.

Realization #2: Connection Beats Perfection

You’re not creating to impress everyone; you’re creating to reach the right people. Those people aren’t looking for a polished front—they want to see something genuine.

A Checklist to Move Past the Fear (and Ignore the Monster)

Ready to face the monster under the bed? Here’s a quick list of things to try right now. No overthinking, no “what ifs”—just actions to keep you moving forward and to turn that fear into fuel:

1. Share That Project – That design or post you’re nervous about? Share it anyway. Let people see your work, unfiltered.
2. Start a Personal Challenge – Post something daily for a week or share a new design style you’ve been curious about. Consistency helps you get comfortable.
3. Tell Your Story – Write a post about your creative journey, even the parts that feel “too personal.” Connection starts with transparency.
4. Experiment with Something New – Whether it’s a bold color scheme, a new font, or an unfamiliar style, embrace the unfamiliar to see what resonates.
5. Forget the Filters – Literally and figuratively. Go for realness and share something as-is. People relate to honesty over perfection every time.

Letting Go of the “Cringe” Fear

Look, the truth is, cringe isn’t the real monster here—fear is. Every time you feel that familiar cringe creeping in, think of it as a sign that you’re on the right path, that you’re doing something worth noticing. Because the reality? Most people aren’t brave enough to take those risks, to let others see their rough drafts or half-formed ideas. So if you’re showing up, you’re already ahead of the game.

The monster under the bed? It’s just shadows. Shine a light on it, keep creating, and keep pushing yourself out there. Cringe is just a stepping stone on the way to building something real, something memorable. So let it fuel you, not stop you.

Create with confidence—cringe and all.

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