5 Ways to Foster Persistence in Creative Process

Contents

1. Embrace failure as a part of the process
2. Establish routine and discipline
3. Find inspiration in new experiences
4. Practice mindfulness and patience
5. Seek feedback and collaborate

In the journey of creativity, persistence often plays a starring role. It's the quiet force that pushes us forward, even in the face of setbacks or obstacles. The good news? There are actionable steps you can take to foster persistence during the creative process. This blog post explores five key strategies to help you stay the course and keep the creative fire burning.

Embrace failure as a part of the process

Let's get this out of the way: failure is not the enemy of creativity. In fact, it's a vital part of the learning process. The trick lies in changing how we perceive and react to failure. Let's take a closer look.

Reframe Your Perception of Failure

First off, let's redefine what failure means to you. Instead of viewing it as a dead end, see it as a stepping stone. Consider it a chance to learn something new and to improve your creative skills. For example, the famous inventor Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." His persistence during the creative process led him to invent the electric light bulb.

Learn from Your Mistakes

• Identify what went wrong: When a mistake happens, take a step back to analyze what led to it. This will help you avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
• Make a plan to improve: Once you've identified the issue, brainstorm ways to fix it. This might involve learning a new technique, seeking advice, or simply practicing more.

Stay Resilient

Resilience is the backbone of persistence during the creative process. It's about getting back up every time you stumble. And remember, every great artist—from J.K. Rowling to Walt Disney—faced numerous rejections before they found success. So, the next time you face a setback, dust yourself off and try again. Your breakthrough could be just around the corner.

Establish routine and discipline

Discipline is often seen as the antithesis of creativity, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, discipline provides the framework within which creativity can flourish. Without it, your ideas may never make it off the ground. Let's discuss how to establish routine and discipline for persistence during the creative process.

Create a Work Schedule

Consistency is key: Set aside dedicated time each day for your creative work. It could be an hour in the morning, or a few hours in the evening—whatever works for you. What matters is being consistent; this helps train your brain to switch into creative mode at a specific time, making it easier to dive into your work.

Set Clear Goals

Goals act as the guiding light in your creative journey, preventing you from straying off course. Use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting framework to chart your path. For instance, instead of saying "I want to write a book," aim for "I will write 500 words of my novel every day for the next 3 months."

Practice Self-Discipline

Building discipline is like building muscle—it takes time and effort. Start small, like committing to ten minutes of drawing each day, and gradually increase your commitment as you grow more comfortable. Remember, the goal here is to foster persistence during the creative process, not to burn out. Listen to your body and mind, and make adjustments as needed.

Embrace the Power of Habit

Habits can be powerful allies in fostering persistence. Whether it's a pre-writing meditation, a midday walk for brainstorming, or a cup of chamomile tea before a painting session, these rituals can signal your brain that it's time to get creative. The key is to find habits that work for you and incorporate them into your routine.

Find Inspiration in New Experiences

Inspiration is a curious creature; it can strike at any moment, and from the most unexpected sources. And while we can't control when it will visit, we can certainly invite it in by seeking out new experiences. Let's look at how we can use these experiences to fuel persistence during the creative process.

Explore Different Creative Mediums

Stepping outside your comfort zone can be a powerful source of inspiration. If you're a writer, try painting. If you're a musician, try your hand at photography. Experimenting with various artistic forms can give you a fresh perspective and may just spark a new idea for your own work.

Travel (Even If It's Just In Your Mind)

While physical travel may not always be possible, mental voyages are always within reach. Dive into a book set in a country you've never visited, watch a documentary about a culture different from your own, or even cook a dish from another cuisine. These experiences can broaden your outlook and inspire your creativity in amazing ways.

Engage with the World Around You

Never underestimate the creative potential of the everyday. The rustle of leaves underfoot, the hum of traffic, even the patter of rain on a window can all serve as catalysts for creativity. Make a habit of observing your surroundings and you’ll be surprised at the inspiration you can find.

Learn Something New

Learning is a lifelong journey, and every new skill or piece of knowledge we gain can feed our creative process. Whether it's taking up a new language, learning to code, or studying ancient history, these fresh insights can provide a wealth of material for your creative endeavors.

Practice Mindfulness and Patience

Mindfulness and patience are two key ingredients that can add flavor to your creative process. They can help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and ultimately maintain persistence during your creative journey. Let's dive in to understand how to incorporate these elements into your routine.

Cultivate Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. It's about appreciating the here and now, without getting caught up in past regrets or future worries. You can practice mindfulness by:

1. Observing your thoughts: Just notice them, without judging them as good or bad.
2. Feeling your feelings: Allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling, without trying to suppress or change it.
3. Doing one thing at a time: When you're working on your creative project, focus on that and nothing else.

Exercise Patience

Patience is a virtue, especially in the creative world. It's about understanding that good things take time, and that includes your creative projects. Here's how you can practice patience:

1. Set realistic expectations: Understand that creativity can't be forced. It's a process that unfolds in its own time.
2. Take breaks: If you're feeling stuck, take a break. Sometimes, stepping away from your work can give you a fresh perspective.
3. Trust the process: Believe in your ability to create. Even if you can't see the results yet, trust that they're on their way.

With mindfulness and patience in your toolkit, you'll find that the path of creativity — though sometimes winding and steep — is a journey well worth taking.

Seek Feedback and Collaborate

If you thought that the creative process is a solitary journey, think again. Seeking feedback and collaboration can be a game-changer in your creative pursuits, boosting your persistence during the creative process and enhancing the quality of your work. Let's take a closer look.

Open Up to Feedback

Feedback is a treasure trove of insights that can help you refine your creativity. It might be a little scary to open up your work to others' opinions, but the benefits are worth it. Here are a few ways to effectively seek feedback:

• Ask specific questions: Instead of asking for general feedback, get specific. Questions like "How can I improve the flow of this piece?" or "What do you think about the color palette?" can lead to more useful feedback.
• Be open and receptive: Feedback is meant to help you improve, not to bring you down. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to your advantage.
• Consider the source: Not all feedback is equal. Consider who's giving feedback and their expertise in the field.

Embrace Collaboration

Collaboration is another powerful tool in your creative arsenal. Working with others can bring new perspectives, stimulate creativity, and keep you motivated. Here's how to make the most of collaboration:

• Find like-minded people: Seek out others who share your passion. They can understand your struggles, offer support, and collaborate on exciting projects.
• Share your ideas: Don't be afraid to share your creative ideas with others. They might offer a fresh perspective or an idea you hadn't considered.
• Value diversity: Different backgrounds and experiences can lead to a rich mix of ideas. Embrace diversity in your creative collaborations.

Remember, creativity is not a competition; it's a journey of exploration and discovery. Seeking feedback and embracing collaboration can help you navigate this journey with persistence and joy.

If you enjoyed learning about fostering persistence in the creative process and want to further enhance your creative flow, check out Natalie's workshop, 'Mastering the Art of Creative Flow.' This workshop will help you unlock the secrets to maintaining a consistent flow in your creative work, allowing you to reach new heights in your artistic endeavors.