10 Essential Daily Habits to Help You Continuously Improve Your Craft Much of growth and progress is a result of small, steady lifestyle decisions that are made every day. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. Use these tips along with a calendar to challenge yourself to form a positive habit that will get you one step closer to your artistic dreams. Set Daily Goals Navigating your day is easier when you have somewhere to go. Take ten minutes in the morning to set goals for the day that will bring you one step closer to your dream. Follow Industry News Stay up to date on what is happening in your industry. Who are the influencers? What makes them unique? What new resources may be available to you? Stay an active participant in your artistic community. Journal Your Creative Process Identify strengths and weaknesses.
What are you doing really well? What do you need to improve? What styles do you gravitate to? What are some things you want to change? Set goals based on the notes that you make so you are continuously moving forward and making fast progress on your creative journey. Improve Your Technical Skills If you’re a musician, take 20 minutes every day to practice scales. If you are an actor, practice diction and body language in front of a mirror. If you are a writer, do some writing prompts. Keep your chops up. Eat, Sleep, and Exercise Keep your brain function optimal. Maintain healthy living habits so you can tackle the work that you need to get done. Do Things That Make You Uncomfortable Growth rarely happens when things are easy. Meeting challenges and discomfort is character building.
Do one thing outside of your comfort zone every day. If you are a pianist, practice a piece that is difficult. If you’re a filmmaker and you’re nervous about going to a networking event, go to a networking event. Thomas Frank from College Info Geek even recommends taking a cold shower to simply exercise the muscle of making uncomfortable decisions. Get comfortable with feeling a bit uncomfortable so when it is time to make a big career leap, you’re up for the challenge! Practice Discernment Acknowledge what is worth your time and what isn’t. Say no to people or to yourself when you need to. Be selective about what you choose to work on. Focus your attention and grow into your craft. Keep Your Creative Space Organized Your creativity can’t flow if you are fighting your own workspace. Make your area inviting. It should be a sanctuary! Meditate
Clear your mind. Allow creativity to flow from that place of stillness. If you are unsure how to get started, check out my article on mindfulness meditation. Eliminate Distractions Hide your TV remote in your closet. Use website blockers like Pause or S tayfocusd. Find a quiet space to work where people won’t walk in on you. Make your workspace a quiet zone where you can be productive and efficient. Use these ten habits as a basis to grow into. Depending on where you are, focus one, a few, or even all ten. You want to pick something that feels realistically doable that will still challenge you. ~You are the spark of inspiration. Be what you want to see in the world.~