Learning To Fail Properly
The Competition That Broke Me (Then Set Me Free)
Right, need to tell you about this pitch that changed everything for me a couple weeks back. But not how you think it did.
I took part in this competition. Had to submit a video pitch explaining my whole project, plus a track to back it up. Over a hundred artists threw their hat in, and somehow I made the final three.
Final three.
First time in my entire career I'd properly stood out from the crowd. Not just "oh that was nice, dear" feedback. Actual recognition. From people who know their shit.
I went absolutely mental on that pitch. Every word calculated. Every second planned. Because here's the thing - I knew I deserved that spot. Not in some arrogant way. Just... I'd put the work in, you know?
The Moment It All Went Tits Up
Walked out of that final pitch knowing I'd left everything on the table. Nothing held back. Completely emptied the tank.
Then the results came through.
Didn't win.
And here's the mad part. For the first time in my life, losing felt... good?
Why Getting Rejected Hits Different Now
Look, it stung. Course it did. But something shifted in that moment.
A win would've been brilliant, yeah. Validation. Pat on the back. Maybe even a chance to cruise for a bit, rest on those laurels.
But this loss?
This loss lit something proper dark and hungry inside me.
Because now I've got something to prove. Not to anyone else, but to myself. Every single thing I said in that pitch? Every promise I made about where this project's going?
It's still happening.
Just now with a point to prove.
The Beautiful Thing About NO
Here's what I've learned: every NO is just directions to the YES that actually matters.
All of the voters who didn't see it? Cool. Someone else will. And when they do, I'll be even more ready because this rejection made me sharper. Hungrier. More desperate to prove my vision's real.
Same energy as those early open mic nights when nobody gave a shit. You just keep showing up. Keep getting better. Keep pushing through the terror.
Because eventually, someone notices. And by then, you're not just good. You're undeniable.
The vote didn't go my way this time. So what?
I'm still here. Still making music at 3am. Still chopping vocals till my ears bleed. Still believing the next idea's coming.
What rejection made you better? What NO turned into rocket fuel? Drop it below. Show me and everyone else reading these stories how we're all fighting the same fight.