"Flipping" from worst to first in the creative process and in project management

Watching Top Chef and Project Runway on Bravo network has provided illumination into the creative process and project management. Top Chef season two's Elia had a disappointing result and was criticized by judges. She was very down about this while working on the succeeding challenge and even started painting chocolate on her face in frustration. She spoke frankly with the judge of the previous challenge and realised he had a different palette. She went on to win the next challenge with her mushroom soup.

Project Runway season three contestant Laura had done well, but in Paris for the couture challenge, her creation did not wow the judges. Part of the problem was a handmade ruffle that was crushed in transit and did not show well in front of the New York judges. Depressed about this, she wondered if she could make it. With some resolve, she put her all into it, broke out of her comfort zone, and won the next challenge with a stunning cocktail dress.

Creative people sometimes appear to gain strength from a down moment. It may take some thing to reduce the stress and disappointment--perhaps a listening ear, doing something crazy like Elia's chocolate facepainting, etc., but it's clear one can achieve a drastic 180 degree turnaround flip in these initially disappointing situations.