Discipline is a subject of a lot of discussion. Some people are all about it, and others scoff at it. Either you have it or you don’t. That’s how most people think. I think it’s a matter of what you’re interested in. You can be disciplined about going for that morning cup of coffee or about making your bed. What starts out as discipline becomes a habit, and then it simply is who you are.
For instance, before I came to Spain, I was inspired to start an art journal. Something personal to me to document my time here. I’m not a journaling type, so I haven’t been able to keep up the practice. I’ve only just finished a single. I know the source of my procrastination, so it’s no surprise. Nonetheless, I’m still going to do my best to push past my mental blocks.
What’s your block? Do you worry about needless things? All those things that are holding you back from doing the work are just the things that you are uncomfortable dealing with: the struggle, the reality that you have to acknowledge that you’re not as skilled as you want to be, fearing you lack originality, the inner critic that you believe is a reflection of the real social critics out there waiting to tear you and your work apart, the fear of rejection, the lack of acknowledgment of your existence. The list goes on and on. And you know what? Every artist goes through it in waves throughout their life in some degree or another. The only discipline you need is the discipline to ignore all the things that keep you from working.
A long time ago, I commented to a coworker of mine that I wanted to buy a special tool for a painting, and it was holding me back from starting. He countered that if I was really motivated to create the painting, I didn’t need the tool and I could simply make do with a butterknife. Of course, afterwards, I felt stupid because he was right. I was simply making excuses for my procrastination. It was never about the tool. It was me.
When I was stuck in an artistic plateau, I started drawing every day for an hour a day to improve my skills. At first, it was a massive effort. I had to force discipline on myself to do it, and over time, it became easier to the point that it was like making my morning cup of coffee and sitting down to drink. A peaceful part of my day that left me feeling fulfilled. Or, like getting up at 4:30 in the morning to work out. Once you’re done, you feel a great sense of accomplishment. I’d say the same is going to be true of this journaling project. A massive effort to set out to do it and then something that becomes easy and fun over time.
So, I say to you, what’s your why? What’s holding you back, and is it real or is it just you?
