Every single Pixar film, at one time or another, has been the

"Every single Pixar film, at one time or another, has been the worst movie ever put on film. But we know. We trust our process. We don't get scared and say, 'Oh, no, this film isn't working.'" These words, spoken by John Lasseter, speak to the very heart of creation and the tumultuous journey that all creators, artists, and innovators must face. The process of bringing something new into the world is rarely smooth, and the path to greatness is often fraught with doubt, failure, and the fear of failure. But Lasseter’s insight reveals a profound truth: trust in the process—the belief that the journey, with all its struggles, will lead to something meaningful and transformative. Failure is not a reason to abandon a project; rather, it is a part of the journey that allows the true potential of the work to emerge.

In the ancient world, great thinkers and creators faced similar struggles. Homer, the blind poet, labored over his epics, seeking to capture the essence of the human condition. It is said that the Iliad and the Odyssey were not completed in a single, flawless sweep but were shaped and refined over time. Homer’s journey, like that of any great artist, was filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. Yet, through trusting his process and continuing to refine his work, he produced two of the most enduring works of literature in human history. The lesson here is clear: even the greatest creators face moments where they doubt their work, but trusting the process allows for the full unfolding of greatness.

Consider the story of Michelangelo, the famed Renaissance artist who carved the David from a single block of marble. The journey to creating the statue was not a seamless one. Michelangelo encountered moments of frustration and failure—there were periods when he felt the statue would never emerge as he envisioned. But instead of abandoning the project, he continued to work, trusting his skill, his vision, and his process. The David, which now stands as a symbol of human achievement, was not the result of immediate success, but of perseverance, patience, and a deep trust in one’s own creative process. Lasseter’s words mirror this belief: the path to success is paved with struggle and doubt, but those who trust their process can transform these challenges into triumphs.

In the world of innovation, the story of Thomas Edison offers a profound lesson. Edison, the inventor of the electric light bulb, is said to have failed thousands of times before achieving success. But he did not see these failures as evidence that the idea was flawed. Instead, he trusted his process and saw each failure as a step closer to the eventual breakthrough. His famous quote, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work," captures the essence of resilience and trust in one’s methods. Like Lasseter’s Pixar team, Edison believed that the road to innovation was one of continuous learning, refinement, and growth. Trusting the process means embracing the inevitable setbacks along the way, knowing that they are part of the journey toward greatness.

The lesson that we must take from Lasseter’s words is one of profound importance: trust in the process, especially when faced with challenges. Creative pursuits, whether in art, business, or any other field, are often messy and imperfect at first. There will be moments of failure, doubts about whether the vision is achievable, and times when the work feels like it is doomed. Yet, those who persevere—who trust their own abilities and the process they’ve chosen—will eventually see their vision come to fruition. The greatest works of art, the most successful inventions, and the most transformative ideas are born not from avoiding failure, but from learning to embrace it, refine it, and continue moving forward despite it.

In practical terms, this means that in our own creative endeavors, we must learn to accept imperfection as part of the journey. If we are embarking on a new project, whether it is writing a book, starting a business, or creating something entirely new, we must allow ourselves the freedom to fail—to make mistakes, to stumble, and to learn. Each setback is not a sign to give up, but an opportunity to refine our work, to strengthen our resolve, and to move closer to the final result. Trusting the process means committing to the long-term goal and believing that with each step, no matter how challenging, we are becoming better creators.

So, let us carry this wisdom with us as we face our own journeys. Trust in your process. Do not be discouraged by setbacks or moments when your work feels like the worst thing you’ve ever created. Like Pixar, like Michelangelo, like Edison, we must understand that every journey toward success is filled with moments of failure, but those moments are part of the larger narrative of growth and achievement. The key is to keep moving forward, knowing that every step, every challenge, brings us closer to the masterpiece we are meant to create. In this, we find the strength to persevere, to trust, and to create with confidence.