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Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, knows a thing or two about perseverance. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision and the resilience required to turn a dream into reality.
Photo: Eóin Noonan | Getty Images
Reflecting on her early days, Perkins shared how she dealt with rejection: "
Just how intense that period of time was, being rejected time and time again. It doesn't feel nice, but it's also a really important thing because you learn. Every time we were rejected, we refined our strategy. We'd pick ourselves up and do it again and again and again."
Each rejection was not an endpoint but a learning opportunity. Perkins and her team used the feedback to improve their approach, continuously getting better with each attempt. This relentless pursuit of their goal underscores an essential lesson for all aspiring entrepreneurs: perseverance in the face of adversity is crucial.
Perkins also emphasized the importance of having a long-term vision. She explained,
"What most people do, and it makes perfect sense why this happens, is you kind of look at the Lego box that you have right now. You're like, I've got two Lego blocks, what can I do with my two Lego blocks? And that’s sort of planning from the present moment in time."
While it’s practical to work with what you have, Perkins advocates for a different approach.
Instead of being limited by your current resources, Perkins encourages thinking about where you want to be in the future.
"I think it's really important to do, which I think can be done a lot more of, is planning where you want to be in 10 years," she said.
Even if you don’t have the tools or resources to achieve that vision right now, having a clear picture of your end goal is vital. This kind of forward-thinking allows you to make strategic decisions that align with your ultimate vision, rather than being constrained by your current situation.
This approach is echoed by another successful entrepreneur, Oprah Winfrey, who once said,
"Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe."
Winfrey’s success in media and entertainment was driven by her unwavering vision and belief in her potential, despite starting with very limited resources.
Similarly, Walt Disney, the mastermind behind The Walt Disney Company, faced numerous rejections and setbacks before creating his empire. Disney's first studio went bankrupt, and he was even told that Mickey Mouse would fail. However, his vision for an entertainment company that would bring joy and inspiration to millions never wavered. He famously said,
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
Disney's story is a classic example of how vision and perseverance can turn dreams into reality, regardless of initial resources or setbacks.
Perkins' experience with Canva and the stories of Oprah Winfrey and Walt Disney illustrate the power of having a strong vision and the resilience to keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles. They remind us that while immediate resources are important, it's the long-term vision and the ability to learn from failures that truly pave the way for success.
In conclusion, Melanie Perkins' journey with Canva highlights two critical lessons for entrepreneurs: the importance of learning from rejection and the power of a long-term vision. By continuously refining your strategy and keeping your eye on the ultimate goal, you can overcome present limitations and achieve remarkable success. As Perkins and other visionary leaders have shown, the key is to keep building towards your dream, one step at a time, no matter how many Lego blocks you currently have.
Listen to Melanie: