The Trap of Motivation and Inspiration
As creatives, we often find ourselves relying too heavily on motivation and inspiration as the driving forces behind our work. However, the truth is that these elements are fleeting and unreliable. Motivation and inspiration can come and go, leaving us feeling lost and frustrated when they inevitably fade.
The key to overcoming creative blocks and achieving consistent growth lies in something much more powerful: discipline. Discipline is the ability to show up and do the work, regardless of how we feel. It's the muscle that we must develop and strengthen over time, through consistent practice and perseverance.
Embracing the Discipline of Creativity
For many creatives, the transition from a hobby or side hustle to a full-time career can be a challenging one. When our creative pursuits become our primary source of income, we must learn to convert our motivation and inspiration into discipline.
Just like with physical fitness, the key to building a successful creative practice is to establish a consistent routine. It may not always be easy, and there will be days when we simply don't feel like showing up. But it's in those moments that our discipline becomes our greatest asset.
Mood Follows Action
One of the most powerful principles to remember is that "mood follows action." This means that by taking action, even when we don't feel inspired or motivated, we can actually generate those positive emotions and creative energy.
Whether it's painting, writing, or any other creative pursuit, the simple act of showing up and engaging with the work can be the catalyst for overcoming a creative block. It's not about waiting for the perfect mood or inspiration to strike; it's about taking control and making progress, one step at a time.
Embracing the Ups and Downs
As creatives, we must learn to be kind and gentle with ourselves. The journey of artistic growth and development is rarely linear; it's filled with ups and downs, successes and failures, periods of inspiration and moments of creative drought.
The key is to recognize that these ebbs and flows are a natural part of the creative process. Rather than berating ourselves for our perceived shortcomings, we must learn to embrace the journey, celebrate our progress, and keep showing up, even when it's hard.
The Beauty of Consistency
While the creative path may not be a straight line, the power of consistent effort cannot be overstated. By showing up, day after day, week after week, and year after year, we can build a body of work, develop our skills, and ultimately achieve the success we desire.
It's not about how often we stop or take a break; it's about how consistently we return to our creative practice. Each time we pick up our brushes, our pens, or our cameras, we are taking a step forward, building upon the foundation we've laid and the progress we've made.
The Importance of Discipline
Discipline is the backbone of any successful creative practice. It's the ability to push through the tough times, to overcome creative blocks, and to keep moving forward, even when the inspiration and motivation seem to have vanished.
By cultivating a strong sense of discipline, we can develop the resilience and perseverance needed to weather the ups and downs of the creative journey. We can learn to show up, day in and day out, and trust that our consistent effort will pay off in the long run.
Embracing the Process
As creatives, we must learn to embrace the process, rather than fixating on the end result. It's easy to get caught up in the desire for instant gratification, to want to see our work gain immediate recognition and success.
But the reality is that true growth and mastery take time. By focusing on the process, on the daily practice of honing our craft, we can find joy and fulfillment in the journey itself. We can learn to celebrate the small victories, the incremental improvements, and the lessons learned along the way.
Conclusion: Keep Showing Up
In the end, the key to overcoming creative blocks and achieving consistent growth as a creative is to keep showing up. It's about developing the discipline to push through the tough times, to embrace the ups and downs, and to trust in the power of consistent effort.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out on your creative journey, the message is the same: keep going, keep creating, and keep sharpening the ax of your discipline. The world needs your art, your voice, and your unique perspective. So, let's get to work, one step at a time.