Cringe Like You Mean It: How Embarrassment Can Spark Empowerment

We’ve all been there: that heart-stopping, face-flushing, stomach-churning moment when you realize you've just embarrassed yourself. Maybe you tripped over your words during a presentation, sent an awkward text to the wrong person, or showed up to an event wildly underdressed. It’s those moments that make you want to dig a hole and disappear. But here’s the thing: embarrassment is a universal experience, and despite what it feels like in the moment, it’s not the end of the world.

I recently came across a quote on Substack that resonated deeply with me: "No one has ever died from this disease called embarrassment. And there is no known vaccine. So cringe forth. Grow." This powerful statement reminds us that embarrassment, while uncomfortable, is a necessary part of our personal growth. It’s like the universe’s way of giving us a nudge to keep going, keep learning, and keep becoming better versions of ourselves.

Acrylic on canvas by Liz Lanuzo

The Power of Cringe in Big Life Changes

Why should we cringe forth and grow? Because every embarrassing moment holds a lesson. Think about it. That time you stumbled over your words during a meeting taught you to prepare better. The awkward text you sent made you double-check your recipients next time. The underdressed faux pas? A reminder to always check the dress code. Each cringe-worthy moment pushes us to improve and adapt.

In the context of making huge changes in our lives – like switching careers, showcasing a new hobby, or starting a business – embarrassment is almost guaranteed. But it’s also an essential part of the journey. Starting a new career might mean fumbling through your first few weeks, feeling like an impostor in a sea of experts. Showing off a new hobby could mean exposing your novice skills to the world, inviting criticism and unsolicited advice. Launching a business is a rollercoaster of trial and error, public failures, and hard-earned successes.

Growing Through the Cringe

Personal growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s messy and severely uncomfortable. But it’s in those moments of discomfort that we truly grow. We learn resilience, develop thicker skin, and gain the confidence to face future challenges head-on. Embracing embarrassment simply means accepting that we’re human, that we make mistakes, and that it’s okay.

Take, for example, the journey of starting Project Vanity. When I first began, I had moments of doubt and plenty of cringe-worthy experiences. So many people looked down on me doing a makeup blog 16 years ago instead of going for something more substantial like tech or politics. I graduated with a Political Science degree from the University of the Philippines, for crying out loud! But each embarrassing moment was a learning opportunity that helped me refine my vision and build a platform that I’m proud of today. If I had let the fear of embarrassment stop me, Project Vanity wouldn’t exist.

So the next time you find yourself in an embarrassing situation, remember this: no one has ever died from embarrassment. Laugh it off, learn from it, and move on.

Cringe Like You Mean It

If you’re thinking about making a significant change in your life, remember that embarrassment is part of the package. Embrace it. Show off that new hobby with pride, even if you’re still learning. Start that business with passion, even if you make mistakes along the way. Switch careers with confidence, even if you stumble at first.

Cringe forth, my friends. And remember, every embarrassing moment is just another chapter in the story of your life.