Elvis Costello does not follow the advice of leaving failures behind; instead, he meticulously works on his songs, constantly revising drafts, changing lyrics even after recording, and reimagining songs with different styles. He repurposes his own work, creating new pieces from old ones, showcasing a relentless pursuit of perfection and creativity. Costello's approach reflects the importance of obsessives in the artistic world, who continuously refine their work, challenging the notion of completion and revealing the beauty that emerges from perpetual dissatisfaction.