I reread my post last week on "Are You A Prolific Painter" and how using a deadline can help motivate us into doing more. I realized that I neglected to mention that the deadline must be "do-able".
If you make your deadline big and scary it is going to make your artistic self feel shaky and edgy.
Within our brains lies a small "reptilian brain" hardwired for survival. The "reptilian brain" also known as the Amygdala, is a remnant from our ancestors. It is designed to keep us alive in a dangerous world. It's the part of the brain that is linked to fear, emotions and motivations.
If something seems too scary to our reptile brain, we flee. Only when cornered will we turn around and fight. The "fight or flight" response will kick in anytime it feels threatened. Add this information to all of those self help books you've read and you'll see why all of that positive thinking never worked for you.
Setting goals too high will make artsy reptiles run for the hills. Artsy types get scared off when things start to feel too "business like". Mention the word money and we begin to doubt our ability to make money off of something we love.
Begin by breaking the deadline down into chew-able bite sized portions. Don't take on projects that feel insurmountable.
I wanted to sell my art at some street fairs. This is something that I've accomplished before and wanted to try doing again. It is a very doable action.
I started with one small action, a simple step. I acquired the list.
No pressure. I looked up an online local newspaper. They had their own list of art fairs for vendors. They even had them price ranged. Easy!
Step 2. Applications. I found all of the applications online as well.
Step 3. Filled out applications. I'm signed up.
Now, the deadline is getting its chance to work its magic. A looming deadline for something I know I can accomplish; forces me off the computer and into the studio
Small actions are setting the momentum toward selling my art. I'm sticking a toe in the water of selling. I'm growing accustomed to the idea of making money from my art. My brain feels okay here. It is non-threatening. It doesn't feel "business" like at all.
Start with the simplest, easiest thing you would like to do. Tell yourself "Today, I will just do ________ ."
Simple incremental changes don't scare the reptile. Small steps makes the reptile stop and watch. Do I need to flee? When the reptile notices that it's only a step or an hour or one action; it will sit and wait. It will see that it is not too scary and begin to relax. Let it watch, remember not too fast, not too scary.
Coast is clear. Now I can go and paint. How about you?
If you make your deadline big and scary it is going to make your artistic self feel shaky and edgy.
Within our brains lies a small "reptilian brain" hardwired for survival. The "reptilian brain" also known as the Amygdala, is a remnant from our ancestors. It is designed to keep us alive in a dangerous world. It's the part of the brain that is linked to fear, emotions and motivations.
If something seems too scary to our reptile brain, we flee. Only when cornered will we turn around and fight. The "fight or flight" response will kick in anytime it feels threatened. Add this information to all of those self help books you've read and you'll see why all of that positive thinking never worked for you.
Setting goals too high will make artsy reptiles run for the hills. Artsy types get scared off when things start to feel too "business like". Mention the word money and we begin to doubt our ability to make money off of something we love.
How do we outsmart our reptile brain?
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| edu.glogster.com |
Begin by breaking the deadline down into chew-able bite sized portions. Don't take on projects that feel insurmountable.
I wanted to sell my art at some street fairs. This is something that I've accomplished before and wanted to try doing again. It is a very doable action.
I started with one small action, a simple step. I acquired the list.
No pressure. I looked up an online local newspaper. They had their own list of art fairs for vendors. They even had them price ranged. Easy!
 |
| Do one small action. |
Step 2. Applications. I found all of the applications online as well.
Step 3. Filled out applications. I'm signed up.
Now, the deadline is getting its chance to work its magic. A looming deadline for something I know I can accomplish; forces me off the computer and into the studio
Small actions are setting the momentum toward selling my art. I'm sticking a toe in the water of selling. I'm growing accustomed to the idea of making money from my art. My brain feels okay here. It is non-threatening. It doesn't feel "business" like at all.
Start with the simplest, easiest thing you would like to do. Tell yourself "Today, I will just do ________ ."
Simple incremental changes don't scare the reptile. Small steps makes the reptile stop and watch. Do I need to flee? When the reptile notices that it's only a step or an hour or one action; it will sit and wait. It will see that it is not too scary and begin to relax. Let it watch, remember not too fast, not too scary.
Coast is clear. Now I can go and paint. How about you?
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