On Failure & Progress -- Don't be so hard on yourself

I just wanted to post this side-by-side of one of my first loaves and a more recent loaf to illustrate the importance of failing well. I believe that in endeavors such as this, there is no such thing as failure as long as you learn from it. I baked the loaf on the left on January 18th; the loaf on the right on February 5th. I baked a bunch in between, adjusting my methods, recipe, and handling techniques, all while taking a lot of notes. I also talked frequently with a friend who was further along than I was in baking this style of bread. 

I could have baked the first loaf and said "I cannot do this" and left it at that. Instead, I embraced the fact that I was new at it and that it would take time and attention to get better. This wasn't easy for me, because, like many people, I have the strange cognitive condition of thinking that I have to be really good at everything I do right away, even if I've never done that thing before. These kinds of feelings, when unaddressed, will sabotage any new endeavor you attempt. 

So take heart! Acknowledge the fact that you do not know everything and embrace self-compassion as you learn to bake great bread, one step at a time. :)