Being Cringe is a Superpower: Why Chasing Your Dreams Will Never Look “Cool” at First

There’s an odd little myth in our culture: that greatness begins with grace. That the first step toward any big dream should look polished, stylish, or effortless. It’s a lie. The truth is far more human—and far more empowering. The truth is: being cringe is part of the process. In fact, it might just be your greatest asset.

In a world obsessed with appearances, chasing a dream is one of the bravest (and most “cringe”) things you can do. Whether it’s uploading your first YouTube video, performing stand-up to a half-empty room, sending your demo to a record label, or even practising football alone in the park—there’s always that awkward, vulnerable, exposed feeling. And that’s exactly where growth begins.

Cool Doesn’t Create

Let’s be honest: acting “cool” is just another form of self-protection. It’s a mask we wear to avoid being laughed at, judged, or misunderstood. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: cool doesn’t create. Cool doesn’t build dreams. Cool doesn’t take risks. Cool doesn’t get rejected and try again.

When you’re busy trying to look good or impress others, you’re not being bold. You’re being safe. And dreams aren’t built in safety. They’re built in that embarrassing, uncertain, try-fail-try-again phase that everyone wants to skip. But nobody becomes excellent without first being awkward.

The Cringe Stage Is Not Optional

Every master was once an amateur. Every artist once held the pen wrong. Every singer once missed the note. Every footballer once tripped on the ball. You cannot skip the messy beginnings. They are required.

What makes this worse for many is that we now live in a world where every early attempt might be seen, shared, and judged online. But here’s what matters: those who judge are rarely the ones who try. And those who succeed are the ones who ignored the noise and kept going anyway.

We must normalise the fact that every great career, every big dream, every personal reinvention starts in discomfort. And often, yes—it looks a little cringe. That’s because vulnerability is part of creation. Courage is not always elegant. Sometimes, it’s just showing up and being seen, even when you’re unsure of yourself.

Cringe Is a Sign You’re Growing

Feeling “cringe” is not a red flag. It’s a green light. It means you’re stretching. You’re pushing beyond your current identity. You’re doing something new. That awkwardness is a sign that you’re not stuck. You’re in motion. You’re trying. And that alone sets you apart from the vast crowd of critics, doubters, and silent dreamers.

Here’s the twist: the more comfortable you become with being cringe, the more dangerous you become to the status quo. You stop needing permission. You stop seeking approval. You start creating from within, not performing for others.

Those Who Laugh, Later Applaud

History is full of stories of people who were laughed at, mocked, ignored—until they weren’t. Today’s cringey newcomer is tomorrow’s respected professional. Not because they had the best start, but because they kept going when others stopped.

Every moment you push past the fear of looking silly, you build resilience. You build authenticity. And ultimately, you build results. Results that no one can argue with. And when those come? The same people who laughed might call you “brave,” “talented,” or “inspiring.” But you’ll know the truth: you were just willing to be cringe.

Your Dream Deserves More Than Your Image

At the end of the day, looking cool is temporary. Growth is lasting. You won’t remember the awkwardness. You’ll remember the lessons. You won’t remember how many people doubted you. You’ll remember how you got through anyway.

So here’s the invitation: embrace the cringe. Wear it like armour. Walk through the discomfort. Make the video. Take the photo. Sing the song. Send the email. Pitch the idea. Step on the stage.

Because nothing worth having ever looked cool at the start. It looked human. And that’s where the magic lies.