"Todo apesta hasta que está terminado."

At its core, this quote is all about the struggles and frustrations that come with any creative or worthwhile endeavor. When you're knee-deep in a project, it can feel like a mess. Things don’t always fall into place immediately, and the process can be rife with self-doubt and setbacks. It’s that feeling of looking at what you’re working on and thinking, "Ugh, this is terrible"—but only because it’s not done yet.

Think back to when Michelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The project took four years to complete, from 1508 to 1512. During that time, imagine the scaffolding, the dripping paint, and the sheer physical and mental exhaustion. He undoubtedly had moments where he thought the whole thing was a disaster. But once it was finished, it became one of the most celebrated masterpieces in the world.

Let’s bring this idea to modern life with a more everyday example. Picture Jane, who’s decided to renovate her kitchen. She’s not a contractor—just a determined homeowner. For weeks, her house is in disarray. There’s dust everywhere, half-installed cabinets, and an ominously silent dishwasher sitting in the middle of the room. It feels chaotic and ugly. Jane can't even cook a proper meal. But she pushes through, even when it feels like she’s in over her head. By the end, she has a beautiful new kitchen that makes all those tough days worth it.

So, how do you apply this to your own life? When you’re in the thick of things, remember that feeling of despair is temporary. Keep your eye on the finish line. Break down the project into manageable pieces, and tackle one thing at a time. Celebrate small milestones along the way to keep your spirits up.

Think of it like training for a marathon. The early morning runs, the sore muscles, and the endless miles can make you question why you even started. But when you finally cross that finish line, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.

Here's a relatable story to bring it all home. Imagine you're writing a novel. At the start, you’re filled with enthusiasm. But soon, you hit a rough patch. Your plot seems convoluted, characters feel flat, and your dialogue is stilted. You start dreading the sight of your keyboard. This is the "everything stinks" phase. It's tempting to quit. But you push through, revise, and keep writing. Eventually, you have a complete manuscript. It’s not perfect—but it’s finished. And now you can refine it into something truly great.

In essence, remember that the mess and frustration are part of the journey. Everything looks a little rough around the edges until you see it through to completion. Keep going, even when it stinks.