Artists create opportunity. They prepare the way, see the larger purpose, and take action. Ideas about where to begin come from an openness to the world around them—their own imaginations, nature, stories, everyday life experiences and events.
They see and listen and are willing to explore the things they observe. Most importantly, artists get started and willingly respond and reflect on what they see and hear.
Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Whether it’s beginning an exercise program, getting going with a chore you want to complete, or creating a new business or product from scratch, you can move forward by simply taking action. Work like an artist and research your idea; see what else you might discover.
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- Figure out what you might do with the information you gather.
- Consider various options about how to go about what comes to mind.
- Expand and improve the ideas and try them out.
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Artists learn to take risks, to make mistakes, to adjust, and to try again. It’s often easy to regard art as a career choice or luxury, but art and the artistic process can become a means of change and progress. The artistic process helps you understand that success isn’t about just getting to the end of something; it’s about what you do all along the way that really matters.
Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.
~ Conrad Hilton
The world is changing dramatically. There’s a clash between old and new, systems are breaking down, established structures are shifting, and family patterns are transforming. There is no better time than now to begin to act on your ideas and begin something new. Artists mix what they know with their own personal creativity and imagination to come up with something that’s truly theirs. They don’t constrain themselves by thinking “I could never do that.” Even if you’re attempting something that is at the limits of your skill, you can build those skills by taking it on and doing it. You’ll see that over time, you will create something new and remarkable in your life.
I would rather regret the things I have done than the things I have not.
~ Lucille Ball
Look at the patterns in your life. What patterns seem to hold you back? How can they change to create new art? The truth is that new possibilities, new adventures, and new connections are always within your reach. Initiate something and take the first step forward; it will lead to another and another. Vincent van Gogh said: “I dream my painting and I paint my dream.” Paint your own vision. Be specific; what colors and shapes will you use? Why do you want it? Consider whether the vision is truly coming from you rather than pressures of others. Allow openness for change as it evolves. Be bold and begin.
-Pat