Why One Spelling Bee Shocker Might Be the Motivation You Need for Your Fertility Journey
What do a spelling bee champion and your fertility journey have in common? More than you think—and this might just change how you look at setbacks forever.
You might have seen the recent viral moment: Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old, almost lost it all on live TV during the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He flubbed a word—self-inflicted, unthinkable, gut-wrenching. But what did he do next? He recovered. Not just recovered—he came back and WON the entire competition. If you missed it, watch the unforgettable moment here.
Sound familiar? If you're on a fertility journey, especially at home, you already know: sometimes you feel like the odds are stacked against you. Maybe you missed a cycle, misread an ovulation test, or felt your hope slip just out of reach. The setbacks can feel as public and personal as a flubbed word on national television. But what if these "failures" are actually the fuel for your future success?
The Myth of the Perfect Path (and Why It Needs Busting)
Let's be honest—Instagram makes it look so easy. Happy families, positive pregnancy tests, everything perfectly filtered. We all know that's not the full story. Like Faizan on the spelling bee stage, you can't plan for every twist or guarantee each cycle will end with a win. But here's a not-so-secret truth: the people who succeed aren't the ones who never stumble—they're the ones who dust themselves off and spell one more word.
This lesson isn't just for kids in spelling bees. It's the game-changer for anyone trying to grow their family, especially in 2025, when conversations around resilience and self-advocacy are louder (and more essential) than ever.
The Open Loop: What If Your "Mistakes" Actually Move You Forward?
Remember that pit-in-your-stomach feeling when something didn't go as planned? Maybe you:
- Missed a key ovulation window
- Struggled with insemination technique
- Faced another negative test after months of trying
What if I told you these moments aren't evidence that you can't do this?
They're proof that you are doing it. You're learning, adapting, and building emotional muscle—the same qualities that led Faizan Zaki from flub to champion. Maybe your big win is just on the next cycle.
How to Find Strength When You Feel Overwhelmed
If you're feeling stuck, here's what you can borrow from Faizan:
- Pause, Don't Panic. When he realized his mistake, he didn't collapse—he took a breath. In fertility, recognizing a setback is the first step to regrouping.
- Lean on Your Support System. Like the family and coaches rooting for Faizan, your circle—whether friends, online communities, or expert guides—is a critical part of your journey.
- Trust the Process (and Your Tools). You don't have to spell every word from memory; in the fertility world, you have resources and innovations at your fingertips.
One such resource making a difference right now? MakeAMom's at-home insemination solutions are designed to empower people just like you—offering practical, user-friendly options with a 67% success rate among users. It's not about erasing all obstacles—it's about having the courage to keep spelling, even when you stumble.
Why This Moment Matters More Than Ever
Post-pandemic, self-directed healthcare is exploding. People aren't waiting for perfect conditions—they're taking charge of their dreams at home, on their own terms. But with new freedom comes new fear: "What if I mess it up? What if it takes longer than I thought?" The zeitgeist of 2025 is all about redefining success as persistence, not perfection.
Ask yourself: - What would I do if I knew setbacks were part of the process—not proof that I should stop? - Am I willing to give myself grace between the flubs and the final win?
The Comeback: Your Story Is Still Being Written
Every fertility journey is unique, with its own twists, turns, and—yes—moments of public (or private) "flubs." Like a spelling bee, nobody hands you the answers, but every time you try again, you're moving closer to your goal.
So when you're feeling defeated, remember Faizan. Remember that your comeback might already be in motion. And most of all, remember that persistence—supported by community, the right resources, and a little self-compassion—is what separates champions from the rest.
Ready for your next attempt? Take a deep breath—you've got this. Your story's biggest victory could be just a word (or a cycle) away.
What setback taught you your greatest lesson on your journey? Share your story below, and let’s root for each other until we all reach our own big wins!