The Power of Taking Small Steps Towards Your Creative Goals

In our pursuit of creativity and artistic fulfillment, it's all too common to indulge in grand fantasies of what our lives would look like if we were "real artists." We dream of having a spacious studio, ample free time, and the perfect circumstances for our creative endeavors. However, Julia Cameron, the author of "The Artist's Way," reminds us that this kind of thinking often blinds us to the small, practical changes we can make in the present moment.

Creativity, she argues, is not about taking monumental leaps but rather about taking small, consistent steps towards our creative goals. Instead of rushing towards an intimidating cliff and then hesitating to leap, we should embrace the concept of "baby steps" – those small, manageable actions that bring us closer to our creative aspirations.

One significant obstacle on the path to creative recovery is our addiction to anxiety and procrastination. We often find ourselves obsessing over the odds of success or worrying about unrelated tasks instead of engaging in creative activities. This anxious thinking can be paralyzing and lead us to question the very purpose of our creative pursuits.

Cameron advises us to confront this addiction to anxiety by paying attention to our behavior. Notice how you might use anxious thoughts as a distraction from creative action. For example, you plan to write or paint but decide to do laundry instead, all while convincing yourself that you're "thinking" about your creative work. In reality, you're avoiding it.

To overcome this tendency, Cameron emphasizes the importance of filling the form – working with what you have and making small, daily steps in the right direction. She draws inspiration from the world of acting, highlighting the story of Marge Kottlisky, an actress who continually engages in creative activities, even between paid roles. This commitment to her craft keeps her skills sharp and opens doors to new opportunities.

In creative recovery, it's crucial to take control of your artistic journey. Don't relinquish your creative life entirely to others, such as agents or external circumstances. Instead, focus on what you can do right now, with your current resources and circumstances. Cameron suggests taking one small daily action instead of getting lost in the big questions that often lead to procrastination.

Ultimately, creative growth comes from respecting both your current situation and your aspirations. Instead of yearning for dramatic changes, make small adjustments to your daily routine, relationships, and work environment. These incremental changes, like altering a space flight trajectory slightly, can lead to significant shifts over time.

As you embark on your creative recovery journey, remember that destiny unfolds silently, and important decisions are made without fanfare. It's essential to acknowledge how past conditioning may have impacted your beliefs about creativity and self-worth.

To affirm your commitment to creative recovery, you can use affirmations like those provided by Franz Schubert. Select a few that resonate with you and incorporate them into your daily routine. These affirmations can help you acknowledge your talent, embrace your creativity, and treat yourself and your art with kindness and generosity.

I am a talented person.
I have a right to be an artist.
I am a good person and a good artist.
Creativity is a blessing I accept.
My creativity blesses others.
My creativity is appreciated.
I now treat myself and my creativity more gently.
I now treat myself and my creativity more generously.
I now share my creativity more openly.
I now accept hope.
I now act affirmatively.
I now accept creative recovery.
I now allow myself to heal.
I now accept God’s help unfolding my life.
I now believe God loves artists.

In conclusion, "The Artist's Way" encourages us to take small, consistent steps in our creative pursuits and to challenge our addiction to anxiety and procrastination. By filling the form with creative care and making incremental changes, we can embark on a fulfilling journey of creative recovery, honoring both our present circumstances and our artistic aspirations.

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