Embrace the flaws: Achieve more by accepting imperfection

Freedom to fail

"Dare to suck" isn’t about setting yourself up for failure. Instead, it’s about allowing yourself the freedom to try, to fail, and to learn from those experiences. It’s a mindset that champions the idea that trying and failing is infinitely more valuable than not trying at all. The phrase was popularised in creative fields, like music and art, where taking risks is essential to innovation and authenticity.

I discovered the phrase when recording some music in 2018, and the producers I was working with encouraged me to embrace my failure. The saying is also relevant for anyone pursuing innovation and creativity in what they do. The power of imperfection allows you to open yourself up to growth and the endless possibilities that come with it.

Inner critic vs. inner leader

We all have an inner critic—the voice that tells us we’re not good enough, that we’ll fail, or that we should play it safe. But we also have an inner leader, the part of us that encourages, motivates, and pushes us to be brave. The inner critic wants to keep us small and safe, whispering that it’s better not to try than to risk looking foolish.

In contrast, the inner leader urges us to take chances, to be seen and heard, and to step into our full potential. Daring to suck means choosing to listen to that inner leader, even when the inner critic is the loudest voice in the room.

Growth mindset

The "dare to suck" mentality is rooted in a growth mindset. Instead of fixating on being perfect, it emphasises the importance of effort, learning, and improving. When you celebrate effort over outcome, you create a safe space for experimentation and discovery. This is especially crucial in our industry, where rapid technological advances and changing regulations demand constant adaptation and innovation.

Stagnation and success

In the high-stakes world of igaming, the courage to be imperfect can make the difference between stagnation and success. A notable example is DraftKings' acquisition of SBTech, which was part of a bold move to become a publicly traded company through a reverse merger with Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp. At the time, the acquisition was fraught with risks, including potential legal challenges and operational integration issues. However, by embracing the "dare to suck" mindset, DraftKings positioned itself as a leader in the sports betting market, leveraging SBTech’s technology to enhance its sportsbook offerings and expand its market share rapidly.

Another example is MGM Resorts’ acquisition of LeoVegas in 2022. LeoVegas, known for its innovative mobile gaming platform, dared to expand aggressively into new markets despite the challenges of regulatory landscapes and competition. By joining forces with MGM, LeoVegas leveraged the resources and brand strength of a global leader to continue its growth trajectory. This acquisition highlights the importance of being willing to take calculated risks to achieve greater heights.

Evolution Gaming's acquisition of Galaxy Gaming exemplifies how companies in igaming dare to take bold steps to consolidate their market positions. Despite potential integration challenges and the high costs involved, Evolution recognised the long-term value of expanding its U.S. presence and adding Galaxy's table game technologies to its portfolio. By not shying away from the risks, Evolution bolstered its strategic position and continued to lead with innovation.

The role of courage

For entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone pursuing a creative path, the gap between vision and skill can be intimidating. You might have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, but the reality of your current skills can make that vision seem out of reach.

This gap often stops people from moving forward as they’re afraid that their work won’t measure up to their own high standards. But the saying I was taught is about crossing that bridge despite the fear, knowing that every attempt brings you closer to your goal. It’s about valuing the courage to create over the desire for immediate perfection.

The gladiator mindset

Likened to the gladiator metaphor, the idea that those who are actually in the arena, fighting the battles, are the ones who deserve the most respect. It’s easy to critique from the sidelines, but it takes real courage to step into the ring.

In life, the arena can be anything from launching a new gaming feature to entering a new market. The key is to focus on your own journey and not let the fear of judgment keep you from taking action. Remember, the bravest people are those who are willing to try, even if they might fail.

Breaking free from the comfort zone

At our core, humans crave safety and approval. We want to look good, be right, and fit in. But when these desires outweigh our willingness to take risks, we end up stuck in our comfort zones, unable to grow. Daring to suck is a radical act of defiance against this need for comfort. It’s about saying yes to the uncomfortable and no to the familiar, recognising that growth happens at the edges of our comfort zones.

Embracing failure as a pathway to success

Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of the process. Many of the most successful people and companies such as DraftKings, MGM, and Evolution Gaming embraced failure as a necessary part of the journey. They didn’t get it right the first time, and they weren’t afraid to make mistakes along the way. By being willing to fail, you reframe failure as feedback, a valuable tool that helps you refine your approach and ultimately get closer to your goals.

Practical tips

• Set small, achievable goals: Start with small steps that push you slightly outside your comfort zone. Celebrate each attempt, regardless of the outcome.
• Reframe your inner dialogue: When your inner critic speaks up, consciously shift your mindset to focus on growth and learning. Remind yourself that every attempt is progress.
• Seek out challenges: Deliberately put yourself in situations where you might fail. This builds resilience and normalises the experience of not always getting it right.
• Reflect on your wins and lessons: Keep a journal of what you learn from each experience, both the successes and the failures. This will help you see your growth over time.

Daring to suck isn’t about being reckless or careless; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of human experience of success, failure, effort, and growth. It’s about showing up, trying your best, and not letting the fear of imperfection hold you back. When you cultivate the courage to fail, you open the door to a life that’s richer, fuller, and more authentically your own.