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Master Self-Study by Building Self-Discipline
This article will teach you how to build self discipline to study digital art consistently.
Having Trouble studying?
Have you decided to learn digital art from scratch, like me? It’s an exciting journey filled with creativity, endless possibilities, and—let’s be honest—a few challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles? Building the self-discipline to consistently study and practice. But don’t worry, you’ve got this. Let’s explore how to cultivate that discipline and keep your artistic momentum going strong.
Related Post: How I Started my Digital Art Journey
Use Motivation to get Started
We all know that burst of excitement when we start something new. Whether it’s a new sketching app or a graphics tablet, motivation is that initial spark that gets us moving. Embrace it!
Getting started is a great roadblock that most people never pass. In the beginning, that excitement becomes your greatest asset on your journey. Set up your workspace, watch a few inspiring tutorials, and dive into your first projects with enthusiasm. Motivation is your friend here, so use it to kickstart your journey. But remember, motivation is like a gust of wind—it can propel you forward, but it’s not always reliable.
When motivation ends, Discipline begins
Here’s the thing: motivation is fantastic, but it’s also fickle. There will be days when you just don’t feel like drawing. Maybe you’re tired, or maybe you’re frustrated because your art doesn’t look how you envisioned it. This is where discipline comes into play. Discipline is about showing up and putting in the work, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s the steady force that keeps you moving forward, one pixel at a time.
Discipline vs. motivation
Let’s break it down. Motivation is that initial enthusiasm—think of it as the excitement you feel when you buy a new set of digital brushes. Discipline, on the other hand, is the commitment to use those brushes regularly, even when the novelty wears off. Motivation gets you started, but discipline keeps you going. It’s the difference between a hobbyist and a dedicated artist.
Suppose you want to build a business with your art. You will need discipline. I started my digital art journey because I wanted to become a professional digital artist. I am building a career and that will take time and commitment. That is why I am building self discipline.
Discipline is better than Motivation
To become a professional digital artist and sell my art, my biggest priority is to develop my skills. Reaching any goal requires momentum and consistency. Motivation might get you through a few projects, but discipline will carry you through an entire career. When you rely solely on motivation, your progress can be erratic. You might have bursts of productivity followed by long periods of inactivity. Discipline, however, creates a consistent practice routine. It’s about forming habits that become second nature, that is self discipline. Over time, these habits lead to significant improvement and mastery of your craft.
Related Post: Read How I Am Building Momentum In My July Goals!
The Power of Self Discipline
Self-discipline is a superpower. It builds resilience and fosters a sense of achievement. When you push through those moments of resistance, you strengthen your willpower and prove to yourself that you can overcome obstacles. This mental toughness translates not only to your art but to other areas of your life as well. Plus, there’s immense satisfaction in looking back at your progress and knowing that your hard work paid off.
At the beginning of my digital art journey, I hung a poster on my wall that said “Hard Work Pays Off.” It was a visual reminder of my goal. Why was I studying digital art when I would rather watch Netflix? Because I want to build a business and one day my hard work will pay off.
How to build self discipline
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in your digital art journey. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Create a Routine: Establish a regular practice schedule. Whether it’s an hour every morning or a few evenings a week, consistency is key.
- Eliminate Distractions: Identify what pulls your attention away and create an environment conducive to focus. Turn off notifications, tidy your workspace, and set boundaries.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or a digital portfolio to document your improvements. Celebrate small victories along the way.
- Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or join an online community of digital artists. Having someone to check in with can keep you motivated and disciplined.
- Be Patient: Understand that progress takes time. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have off days. What matters is getting back on track.
Related Post: Eliminate Distractions Using The Best Study Technique!
best books on self discipline
For those who love a good read, here are some excellent books to help you build and maintain self-discipline:
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: You’ve got to check out this book if you have no idea how to start. It’s all about how tiny changes can lead to huge results. Clear’s strategies are super practical and easy to follow. Perfect if you want to build strong habits without feeling overwhelmed.
- “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: This book is a game-changer. Duhigg dives into the science of why we do what we do and how to change it. You’ll learn to recognize your habits and reshape them to fit your goals. It’s fascinating and really actionable.
- “Deep Work” by Cal Newport: If you struggle with distractions, this book is for you. Newport explores how to cultivate deep, focused work in a noisy world. It’s packed with tips to boost your productivity and creativity. Seriously, it’ll change the way you work.
- “Grit” by Angela Duckworth: Duckworth’s book is all about passion and perseverance. She explains why grit matters more than talent and how you can develop it. Perfect for the creative journey of learning digital art. It’s an incredibly inspiring book and will make you rethink what it takes to achieve your goals.
conquer studying with self discipline
Building self-discipline to study digital art can seem daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with the right mindset and tools. Remember, motivation might get you started, but it’s discipline that will carry you through. By setting clear goals, creating a routine, eliminating distractions, tracking your progress, staying accountable, and being patient with yourself, you’ll develop the habits needed for continuous improvement. Don’t forget to leverage the wisdom of others using some great books on self-discipline.
Join my Study With Me Sessions! Let’s be Accountability Partners
So, embrace the journey. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep pushing forward. With motivation to get you started and discipline to keep you going, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Keep drawing, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Your digital art skills will grow, and with them, your confidence and creativity. Remember every masterpiece starts with a single stroke!
