Photo by Prophsee Journals on Unsplash
Originally written in 2014. Updated for reflection and relevance.
Let’s be real—discipline and routine haven’t always come naturally to me. As a creative, I used to thrive on spontaneity and passion alone. But over the years, I’ve learned that dreaming is just the beginning. Following through? That’s the magic.
I’ve had plenty of unfinished projects—sketches never inked, ideas that stayed ideas, and beautiful starts that never saw the finish line. And it’s not because I didn’t care. It’s because, like many creatives, I got stuck in the in-between: fear of imperfection, distraction, or just a lack of structure. I think quite honestly I suffered the most from lack of structure.
I do worse with my schedule when I don’t have a job and consistent schedule. When I had gone back to enroll into graduate school for my MFA in the fall of 2009, the 6 months before that I was unemployed from getting laid off from my last job. And I remember one of my friend’s from high school make a comment about doing better in school when he had a part time job.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Creativity needs a container. It needs a rhythm to thrive.
Creating Ritual in the Process
Discipline doesn’t mean rigid rules. For me, it means showing up—even when the spark isn’t there. It’s lighting a candle before I sit down to draw. It’s committing to 15 minutes, even if that’s all I can give.
It’s honoring the fact that the muse shows up more often when I show up first.
I used to think routine would stifle my creativity. But it’s actually been the opposite. Creating rituals around my art has made me more confident, more grounded, and more productive. It’s the quiet discipline of saying “I’m doing this” every day, even if it’s messy or imperfect.
Early on in my career when I had a full time job as a web designer, I would steal 30 mins away for lunch with my sketchbook and disappear in the break room or my car just to sketch and draw.
Whatever time you can give daily is better than nothing. And those small moments will build up over time. Small practice sessions can build up your confidence and hand-eye coordination.
Finishing Matters
One of the most powerful things we can do as artists is to finish what we start. Not everything needs to be perfect or portfolio-ready. But there’s a sacred energy in completion. It tells the universe we’re serious. It tells ourselves we’re capable.
Finishing creates momentum. And momentum keeps us moving.
The Real Work is Inner Work
Sometimes the hardest part of following through is internal:
• The fear of failing.
• The imposter syndrome.
• The belief that it’s not “good enough.”
But discipline isn’t about perfection. It’s about self-trust. It’s learning to listen to your creative intuition and guide it with intention.
So, Here’s What I Practice Now:
• Daily commitment — even 15–30 minutes toward a project.
• Creative rituals — lighting incense, journaling before drawing, setting intentions.
• Time blocks — structuring my calendar with creative “windows.”
• Grace for the off days — because we’re human, and rest is part of the process.
Get yourself a Pomodoro Visual Timer and time yourself in small 15, 20, or 30 minute blocks. This can be helpful for focusing and staying on task.
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Final Thoughts
Discipline and routine doesn’t kill creativity—they protect it. They create the space for your art to flourish. And more importantly, they build the trust between you and your craft.
Follow through. Complete the work. Not because it has to be perfect, but because finishing something matters more than endlessly starting over.
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Wishing you success in your creative endeavors.
