Motivation vs. Discipline
If you're anything like me, you've probably found yourself stuck in that never-ending struggle between feeling motivated and staying disciplined. Do we rely on those bursts of inspiration to carry us forward, or do we buckle down and create even when we don’t feel like it?
The Connection Between Motivation and Discipline
The first thing to get out of the way is that motivation and discipline aren’t enemies; they’re more like partners in crime. Motivation is that spark, the excitement that drives us to create. It’s the feeling you get when you see a beautiful piece of art or hear a song that speaks to your soul. On the other hand, discipline is the steady hand that guides us through the creative process, especially on those days when motivation seems to play hide and seek.
How They Work Together
Motivation can ignite inspiration: When you’re feeling inspired, you’re more likely to put in the time and effort to create something truly special.
Discipline builds habits: By establishing a routine, you create a structure that allows you to work regularly, even when you’re not feeling particularly motivated.
Motivation fuels discipline: When you see progress in your work, it can reignite your motivation, creating a positive feedback loop.
Keeping the Fire Burning: Tips to Stay Motivated and Disciplined
So, how do we keep that motivation alive while also maintaining our discipline? Here are some tips that have helped me while learning to maintain this balance.
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Breaking down your artistic projects into manageable chunks can make a world of difference. I remember aiming for a masterpiece in one day and being so frustrated when I failed. One of my favorite quotes can be applied to this.
“Make bad art.”
Allow yourself to make things that are not so good. Write a page of absolute nonsense, draw silly faces, paint with leftover colors, play random cords, mix it up before you get into a project. Think of it as a warmup. You don’t need to be perfect during a warmup you are just preparing for the main event.
2. Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Create an environment that inspires you. Fill your workspace with art, music, or quotes that resonate with you. When you’re surrounded by creativity, it’s easier to feel motivated to create. If you don’t know who or what inspires you do the following.
Find a piece of paper or a notebook and write down your…
10 favorite movies/tv shows
10 favorite bands/musicians
10 favorite video games/boardgames
10 favorite books
10 favorite artists
10 favorite memories
10 favorite colors
10 favorite words
10 favorite things that are unique to you
If you can’t think of ten things do some research broaden your horizons, you’ll never know what you’ll find.
3. Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome
We often get so caught up in the result that we forget to enjoy the journey. Focus on the act of creating itself, because that is what drew you to create in the first place. Let go of the pressure to produce something perfect. Remember, every brushstroke or note played is a step forward!
4. Celebrate Your Progress
Take time to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating your progress can reignite your motivation and remind you why you started in the first place. One thing that has helped me is redrawing things I drew when I was small. For example I loved horses when I was little and drew them all the time. I followed a tutorial on a DreamWorks dvd when I was 8 years old and again when I was 14 this was the result.
Look back on where you started and celebrate the progress you’ve made! In a few years you will look back on where you are now and see how much you have grown because you kept at it.
In the end, motivation and discipline are two sides of the same coin. Mastering both can lead to a more fulfilling creative experience. So, whether you’re feeling inspired or just pushing through, remember that every moment spent creating is a step towards growth. Keep creating, stay disciplined, and let your passion shine through!
