Why are you here?
Discovering Your "Why" and making sure your creative soul knows it too.
Listen to my latest Podcast where I talk about the long difficult journey to find my own why and how it saved my art practice.
For years, I painted simply because I enjoyed the process. I just wanted to paint. But something was missing. I would create and still feel empty inside. It wasn't until I discovered my "why" – who I am as an artist and the story I want to tell – that my creative practice truly blossomed. In this post, I'll share how you can uncover your own "why" and transform your creative journey into something you were meant to be.
Why Does It Matter?
Understanding your "why" – the underlying reason behind your creative pursuits – can significantly impact your creative journey. It provides a sense of purpose, direction, and motivation. Knowing why you create makes you more likely to persevere through challenges, maintain enthusiasm, and produce meaningful work.
How to Discover Your "Why"
Reflect on Your Passions: What truly excites and inspires you? Do particular themes, subjects, or styles resonate deeply with you?
Identify Your Values: What are your core values? Do they align with your creative endeavors?
Consider Your Impact: How do you hope your creative work will affect others? Do you want to inspire, educate, or simply bring joy?
Explore Your Childhood: Think about your childhood dreams and aspirations. What sparked your imagination then?
Keep a Journal: Regularly write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to your creative practice. This can help you uncover deeper insights.
The Benefits of Knowing Your "Why"
Increased Motivation: A clear understanding of your "why" can fuel your motivation and drive you to keep creating, even when faced with obstacles.
Enhanced Focus: Knowing your purpose can help you stay focused on what truly matters and avoid distractions.
Greater Fulfillment: Creating from a place of meaning and purpose can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Improved Decision-Making: When you know why you create, it's easier to make informed decisions about your creative path.
Example:
Let's say you're a painter who loves nature. Your "why" might be to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world through your art. This understanding can guide your creative choices, such as focusing on nature-inspired themes and using eco-friendly materials.
Discovering your "why" is a personal journey that can take time and introspection. However, the benefits are immense. By understanding the deeper meaning behind your creative pursuits, you can unlock your full potential and create work that truly resonates with yourself and others.
