The Art of Trial and Error

The Art of Trial and Error

From Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted by Ashlee Waldbauer

May 28, 2026 · 35 min · Season 4 · Episode 4

About this episode

Ashlee explores the contrast between embracing imperfection in creative settings and the struggle for perfection in real life.

Hello and welcome back to another episode of Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted! We’re diving headfirst into the messy, uncomfortable, beautiful world of trial and error. Because apparently I can thrive in a chaotic rehearsal room full of constant changes and creative risks…but the second real life feels uncertain, I suddenly want a color-coded five-year plan. This week, I’m exploring why I’m so comfortable embracing imperfection in a rehearsal room, but struggle to give myself that same grace in my actual life. We’re talking perfectionism, self-worth, creativity, and learning how to treat life a little more like a rehearsal process. Maybe life feels less terrifying when we stop expecting opening-night perfection from ourselves on day one. Make the choice. Try the thing. Take the note. Adjust. Try again. Chat with you next week! xoxo

People in this episode

Host: Ashlee Waldbauer

Topics covered

  • trial and error
  • perfectionism
  • self-worth
  • creativity
  • embracing imperfection

Keywords

  • trial and error
  • perfectionism
  • self-worth
  • creativity
  • rehearsal process

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