of failures, creating something, and Rilke...

There are different kinds of failures.

There are failures which are defined by not achieving or realizing the results one has aimed at. 

Then there are failures that result from being too much of a perfectionist - with the bars set so high that success was an impossibility.

Then there are those failures which are from mismanagement and misuse of the processes - too much reliance on the process - or not enough adherence to the process.

Or worse, using the wrong process.

Then there are those that Seth Godin wrote about:  Failures who are failures because nothing was ever started.  He writes: "The only thing worse than starting something and failing... is not starting something."

So is the solution simply doing it?  Taking a leap - and simply start?

Perhaps.

But I think one has to go deeper.

One has to know why one is doing something.  Why one is creating something out of nothing.

It's not so much about overanalyzing and nitpicking and creating scenarios and all that...

It's about knowing why - from one's soul - this is so important.

...

Rainier Maria Rilke once received a letter from a young poet for advice.  I think what Rilke said to the poet is still apt to the act of creating something - and taking a leap - and jumping in.

You ask me. You have asked others before this. You send them to (others for critique and suggestions). You compare them with others', and you are upset when certain editors reject your work.

Now (since you have said you want my advice) I beg you to stop doing that sort of thing. You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now.

No one can advise or help you - no one.

There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your while life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse.