[Music] [Applause] [Music] I was in grade 11 and that's when school started taking coding a bit more seriously. We were doing Python, the programming language, once a week. And unlike most subjects at school, I was really bad at Python.And I hated it. I hated the feeling of discomfort every time would get to class. And session after session that feeling of discomfort started getting to me.So I went back home one afternoon and I got into this retrospective exercise. And the purpose was to try and understand ...

Core Argument - The key to artistic success lies in embracing discomfort, a skill often overlooked in education and misrepresented by media [4][5] - The media and social media perpetuate myths about the creative process, erasing the struggles and discomfort involved [5][9] - Discomfort should be viewed as a compass, guiding artists towards challenging and worthwhile endeavors, rather than a warning sign [28] Myths Debunked - The myth that finished art pieces are first drafts is false; art is iterative and thrives on revision [11][12] - The "romance of the big idea" is misleading; staying committed to an idea through discomfort is more crucial than the initial inspiration [14][17] Discomfort Differentiation - It's crucial to distinguish between "bad discomfort" (gut feelings, warning signs) and "good discomfort" (challenge, curiosity) [20][22] - "Good discomfort" involves embracing the unknown and attempting new skills, leading to growth and creativity [24][25] Practical Application - Artists should welcome bad days and moments of discomfort, recognizing them as essential to the creative process [32][35] - The focus should be on making art regardless of external validation (likes, follows, praise) [34][35]

[Applause] Susan David, a renowned psychologist, once said that discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life. It's past midnight. I am biking home after an eight-hour shift delivering food.My hands freezing, my legs aching, my stomach empty. Then I reflect. Just a year ago, I was speaking at global stages.I was facilitating policy discussions and most importantly I was happy and fulfilled advocating for young people. Yet I feel invisible. Then I start to question myself.Why am I here. Why did I ...