If you read my last blog post, you probably noticed that I was pretty excited about the idea of starting guided painting parties. And honestly, I still think it would be fun. But something happened after I published that post that really made me stop and think.
I recently came across a video. I cannot remember where I saw it, but it felt like it was speaking directly to me.
It said something along the lines of:
“Do you always start projects but never finish them? Do you get exciting new ideas and immediately buy all the supplies to start another side hustle? That’s because new ideas release dopamine.”
That hit me harder than I expected.
I realized that I might not actually be addicted to starting businesses or hobbies. I might be addicted to the excitement of a new idea. The planning. The research. Buying the supplies. Imagining all the possibilities. That’s the fun part because it’s new.
The hard part comes later.
The consistency.
The showing up.
The slow progress that doesn’t always feel exciting.
As much as I enjoy dreaming up new ventures, I had to admit something to myself: I don’t need another side hustle.
I can lead paint parties through work. I don’t need to build an entirely new business around it right now.
What I really want is to create art.
I recently bought some Golden Acrylic paints, and they are absolutely phenomenal. They are a joy to paint with. Every time I pick up a brush, I remember why I fell in love with painting in the first place.
Instead of scattering my energy across ten different ideas, I want to narrow my focus.
Right now, there are two things calling my name:
- Creating ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) 2.5″x3.5″
- Finishing the large oil painting that’s been patiently waiting for me
That’s it.
Simple.
Focused.
I also bought myself a planner.
Not because planners magically solve everything, but because I want to take my art practice more seriously. I have these seasons where I’m incredibly motivated. I paint constantly. I feel unstoppable.
Then, almost without realizing it, the excitement fades. Maybe I get burned out. Maybe the dopamine wears off. Suddenly I’m looking for the next exciting idea instead of continuing the one I already started.
The funny thing is, I already know what works.
Back in 2020, I made one simple rule for myself: Monday through Thursday, I didn’t watch television.
After work, I painted.
I didn’t have to finish a painting. I didn’t have to create something amazing. I just had to paint.
I honestly can’t remember how long I kept that streak going, but I remember being proud of how consistent I had become.
Lately, though?
I’ve been consistently inconsistent.
So instead of creating another ambitious plan that I’ll abandon in a few weeks, I’m making one that’s realistic.
These are the habits I want to build:
- Exercise for at least 20 minutes every day. It doesn’t have to be intense. I just need to move my body because I spend far too much time sitting.
- Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
- Paint or draw for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Write one blog post each week, how about on Wednesdays.
- Upload my artwork every Friday.
- Send one newsletter each month.
- Create five ACEOs each week.
- Spend dedicated time on my oil painting once a week.
None of these goals are extraordinary on their own.
But together, they’re the foundation of becoming the artist I want to be.
I’m trying to stop chasing the rush of new beginnings and start appreciating the quiet satisfaction of simply showing up.
Because success probably isn’t found in the next great idea.
It’s found in doing the ordinary things consistently, even when they aren’t exciting.
So here’s to fewer shiny new projects.
More finished paintings.
More consistency.
And hopefully, becoming the artist I’ve always wanted to be, one brushstroke at a time.
I hope you enjoy a time lapse of my most recent acrylic painting “Indy”.
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