The Cost of Creativity: Grit, Perseverance, and the Courage to Lead

There comes a moment in every creator’s journey when doubt takes over. What you once experienced as inspiration and excitement can momentarily change into an impossibility! The world resists change, and the weight of the unknown can make you question whether the struggle is worth it. Creating something that has never existed before - whether it is writing a book, starting a business, creating a piece of art, or developing a new way of thinking - requires commitment, grit, and perseverance. It is both painful and joyful. Forcing you to grow in ways you never imagined.

The Grit to Begin

Every great idea starts as a spark ...as a passion. But an idea alone is never enough. It is the decision to act that makes the difference. The first step into the unknown is always the hardest because you cannot see the journey ahead. Psychologist Angela Duckworth (2016) describes grit as a combination of passion and perseverance. It is not just about talent or hard work. It is about sticking with something even when it gets tough. Starting something new means accepting that failure is part of the journey.

The Struggle

The idea of creating something new is often romanticised, but the reality is much tougher.

You will face:

Resistance – from others who do not believe in your vision.

Setbacks – when things do not go as planned.

Doubt – when progress feels painfully slow.

James Clear (2018) calls this the "Valley of Disappointment". A period where effort does not yet lead to visible results. This is where most people give up. But what separates those who make it from those who do not? The answer is much simpler than one would imagine. Those who succeed are simply the ones who keep on keeping on. It is the ability to persevere through failure and the flexibility to adapt to everything you cannot control.

This is the difference between those who give up and those who succeed.

Joy in the Struggle

Despite the hardship of the struggle, there is joy in the process. Not just in success but in the growth, resilience, and transformation that comes from pushing through challenges. Every mistake teaches you something new. Every rejection makes you stronger. Every time you stand up after falling, you become more than you were before. Psychologist Carol Dweck (2006) explains that our brains grow the most when we struggle. Learning to embrace difficulty is what leads to success — not avoiding it.

Courage to Keep Going

To create something new is to lead - even if you do not realise it at first. When you choose to persevere, to stick with your vision, even when no one else understands it, you inspire others to do the same. Leadership is not about being fearless - it is about taking action despite fear. The road to something great is never smooth. It will test you. It will break you before it builds you. But if you keep going, if you refuse to let failure define you, then you will create something meaningful - not just for yourself, but for those around you.

If you are struggling right now, if your idea feels too big or your obstacles seem too many—do not stop. Keep building, even when no one believes in you yet. Keep learning, even when progress feels slow. Keep leading, even when the way forward is unclear. Keep trying, re-creating and evolving because on the other side of perseverance is growth. And this growth navigates success, and it always leads to newfound creativity.

Just keep on keeping on!

References

• Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery.
• Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.