How do you… Overcome Procrastination Develop Persistence and Produce results?

What I notice about myself is that unless I create a deadline for when my work has to be done, I will never get around to it.  I need to find ways to create a sense of urgency.  I’ve learned to participate in art shows and accept commissions on a regular basis.  These are sure fire ways of making me shift my priorities!

I also know that if my studio is full of old work, I am not inspired to replace it with new pieces.  My juices dry up and I become depressed.  That’s when I need to empty my space and thus create a void that begs to be filled.  Once I free my space – and my mind, of clutter it’s amazing how new ideas flood in, clamouring to be manifested!  Unfortunately sometimes we become overly attached to old pieces of work that no longer reflect who we are.  They have not sold and are now lining the walls collecting dust.  What to do?  First of all, if you haven’t sold them yet, get over the belief that they’re worth a certain amount of money and someone must pay you for them.  Instead, look for ways to bestow or lend them or even give them to a charity that you support (to be auctioned off as a fund raiser).  It’s amazing how a simple act of generosity on your part will generate a sense of wellbeing and rekindle your creative spark.

Now that we’ve talked about setting Deadlines and Decluttering, let’s talk about getting the rest of the D’s lined up – Disciplined, Deliberate, and Determined!

No one ever accomplishes something worthwhile by dabbling in it randomly.  I’ve learned that if I haven’t committed to painting or writing ahead of time and cleared a space in my agenda, the day will inevitably slip by.  In fact, I need to start my day a certain way to set the tone right.  I begin with gratitude and exercise and surround myself with Nature.  Then I settle into my studio, spend a few minutes reading something for personal growth and playing music that will make my heart sing.  Now I’m ready to write or paint.  In fact I may do both!  When I make space for what matters most at the start of each day, I am productive and filled with a sense of satisfaction. 

What habits do you have that either sustain or drain your creativity? 

Choose consciously.  Not choosing is also a choice, but one that brings no reward.