Keeping creative momentum going…even when you think your art sucks.
One of my favourite books on self-motivation is James Clear’s book on Atomic Habits. I like it because it makes sense to my brain and his ability to explain some of the psychology behind why we avoid things doing the things we want to do helps me to see why challenging some of those notions can help us grow towards realising our goals.
In it he says, ‘to get a habit to stick, you need to feel immediately successful - even if it’s in a small way.’ Doing things consistently and regularly, even when we don’t feel like it, is the best method of improving - whether it’s getting fitter, playing an instrument, or learning a new language. But what about for people who want to become better at art? The reality is that most people who set their hearts on growing in their creativity, DON’T feel immediately successful after they’ve painted or sketched something. More often, they feel defeated, disappointed, frustrated, annoyed and the desire to give up kicks hard.
What is the antidote to this? How can we change the conversation in our heads to that we CAN feel immediately successful? Can I suggest 7 ways:
Even if you may feel dissatisfied with your work, acknowledging that you’ve grown as an artist today by the very fact of putting lines on a page is powerful. As new drivers need to put miles under their wheels to grow in their confidence and competence, so we need to put pencil ‘miles’ on our sketchbooks to improve.
You’ve made space in your busy schedule for something that brings meaning in your life. The end result may not be pleasing today but chances are, you enjoyed the process.
You’ve taken the time to look at something today - something outside yourself, possibly a landscape or as simple as the mug on your desk. You’ve noticed the colours, the shapes, the light and the shadows. You’ve stopped to look and appreciate. Celebrate this.
Showing up for yourself by committing to a small and daily act of making art is a fantastic way to nurture your inner artist. Your daily commitment is a reason to feel successful.
The benefits of engaging in creative pursuit to our mental health are well-documented. You can congratulate yourself today for looking after your well-being.
Celebrate the role model you are being to your friends and family. It is likely that your daily commitment to your art practice inspires and encourages them.
Yes, today your art might suck, but you are step closer to developing your style and finding your artistic voice. These can often take years to hone and establish. But you are closer now than you were before. Keep going…