New Year's Resolutions,
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Tired of failed New Year's resolutions for artists? Learn why rigid plans kill creativity and how embracing spontaneity boosts your artistic goals. Get tips on staying in the flow for real progress!
F***K Statistics
Hey, did you know that about 80% of New Year's resolutions flop by February?
It's the New Year, yippy, who gives two bullock's of a short Dog. I mean we all lie to ourselves saying, I’m going to be new, I’m going to be good, I’m going to be better than last year, which was just a couple of weeks ago. I m going stop fucking around on my partner, my wife, my husband, my family. And my manipulative cat: who keeps pissing in my ginger bear when he thinks I’m not looking.
Or it could be signs of an oncoming stroke, since my taste buds are all off for a sudden, you never know. But I have caught him pissing in things and areas only pitted for human consumption. Now I don’t know if he is displaying his masculinity to me, or his trying to emphasis that certain territories are his alone, or he might be a little senile.
Anyways I pay the rent for this miniature abode you call home, kitty give me some respect my feline companion or I'll replace you with a Gerbil. Is the constant phrase I say to him, though I don’t think he understands me!!!
You see the New Year can be filled with a lot of falsity, self-inflicted judgements and stress, the damn pressuureeee...It seems to get worse with age and those of us “the inferior folks “ wanting to keep up with the Joneses. I think they are Bloody hyenas on a stick, if you ask me.
I mean who are these freaking Joneses , did I meet them at my cousin’s wedding and forget ever seeing them, did we bump into each other at the promenade, did we attend the same crappy university and share a dry sandwich when it was lunch time....I don’t think so.
These Jonese’s were constructed to infiltrate our psyche, brainwash us into consuming materialistic garbage and normalise paying for storage units to place things, into we no longer use. I mean come on people, come on. Did we all need the things that stare at us 24/7, but we don’t touch until we want to impress some entity that is outside our control. Just to make ourselves feel better for five seconds.
Now what I think is possible about the New Year for certain is that "loose lips make sudden goals quit". Try this as a new tactic don’t tell anyone about what you want to achieve, especially to those whom have achieved nothing in their lives. Keep it on the download, keep it hush hush, keep a mental note on what you can achieve in small doses each day. Don't scrutinise the speed at which you achieve things, God has divine timing, and it’s often the best route in the long run. Well that one is for my religious type folks who want to place the responsibility on the man above doing everything for them. Here’s a reality check people, the flow of spontaneity can actually help you nail your goals.
The Downside of Rigid New Year's Resolutions for Artists
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They create pressure that blocks creative flow.
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Often lead to burnout from forced routines.
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Ignore the natural ups and downs of inspiration.
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Make goals feel like chores instead of fun.
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Don't account for life's surprises that spark art.
Practical tip: Ditch the calendar marks. Keep supplies handy everywhere—bedside, kitchen, even the car. When the urge hits, jump in. No waiting for January 1st or until I feel better moments. That's how real goals get smashed.
For artists chasing goals, this rigid stuff often leads to less output. Studies show creative folks do better with flexible habits. I mean, Picasso didn't resolution his way to fame; he just waited when the muse was available to have an affair with and his paint brushes were nearby. Frustrating at first to admit, but once I let go, my work flowed like the river in Gerogia.
Track moods, not minutes. Journal what sparks joy in your art or your daily life even. Use that to guide you, not some New Year's vow. No more forcing it; trying to make that elusive donkey drink from the well, when has not even taken a good shit in the morning. Only leaves you frustrated.
Sometimes, resolutions get set with good intent, but they're forgotten quickly. Why? 'Cause they're not tied to passion. For artists, goals should evolve, like a painting that changes as you add layers. Or when your on a date and found it is actually a high class escort, and you think what the hell I might as well see it through!
Triumph comes from small wins, like finishing a spur-of-the-moment collage. Or just washing your rear end when the hot water runs out.
Be specific: If you're a digital artist, keep your tablet charged and apps open. Spontaneous idea? Dive in for 10 minutes. Builds momentum without pressure. For traditional painters, have a "grab bag" of brushes ready. No setup excuses.
In the end, rigid New Year's resolutions for artists squash the very thing we need—FREEDOM. They've been hyped forever, but for us, they're a trap. I've seen too many talented folks burn out. Don't be that statistic; flip the script,Baby!!!
Embracing Spontaneity: A Better Path for Artistic Goals
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Allows ideas to come naturally without force.
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Boosts creativity through unexpected inspirations.
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Reduces stress and makes art enjoyable again.
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Helps achieve more by riding waves of motivation.
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Encourages experimentation and growth.
Embracing spontaneity changed everything for my artistic goals, I just followed my gut. Ended up creating a mural from random street finds. Felt like magical bliss.
Artists, we're wired for this flow state. Psych folks call it "being in the zone," where time flies and masterpieces happen. The dreaded R Word - Resolutions? This yanks you out with checklists. I've messed up by ignoring that—sat for hours with no spark, a blank stare into the abyss, cursing the universe and loosing my voice all in one setting.
Practical tip: Set "spontaneity triggers." Like, if you see a cool color combo on a walk, snap it and create later. I do this all the time; my phone's full of inspirational pics. No schedule needed.
Ever tried meditating for art? I did once, spontaneously sat quiet, ideas flooded in. Better than any resolution app.
For writers, keep a notebook by the bed. Dream idea? Jot it down at 3 AM. No waiting for morning resolution time. I've written great chapters in my head that way.
Honesty here I Botched a painting because I resolved to finish by deadline. Rushed, hated it. Tore it up—frustrating! Next time, spontaneous redo turned it gold. Lesson here my moto "Patience in flow, wins with a glow".
Sometimes, goals get achieved passively through this. Like, I wanted more exhibits; spontaneous networking at a cafe landed one. Boom! No resolution required.
Practical Tips to Stay in the Flow of Spontaneity as an Artist
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Keep tools accessible for instant creation.
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Track inspirations, not strict timelines.
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Allow for rest without guilt.
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Collaborate unexpectedly with others.
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Reflect on what sparks your creativity.
Staying in the flow of spontaneity is not easy at first, but dang, it's worth it for artistic goals. I used to fight it, thinking structure was safer. Big mistake—led to dry spells that lasted weeks. Now, I roll with it, and output's up.
Declutter your space, but keep essentials out. My easel's always set up; no setup time kills the mood. Spontaneous urge? Jump in, dive in, swim to the shore of creativity.
Once, mid-dinner, idea struck. Left food cold, painted till dawn. Family thought I was nuts, but the piece sold quick. Triumph!
When life's busy, flow hides. I yelled at my blank page once. Then, took a walk—bam, ideas returned. Lesson here force nothing, just live with openness and naivety.
Rest is key. Tired? Nap, don't force it. Guilt-free breaks recharge the flow. Over working will not make you richer just grumpy with more grey hairs.
Set loose themes, like "explore colors this month." Spontaneous within your bounds.
For writers, free write-random thoughts phrases or even just words. Do no edit till later. I've penned chapters spontaneously with no real plot twist or conclusion that can inspire a new book or chapter for a short series. You never know where it will lead to, which is often the best technique.
How Spontaneity Leads to Long-Term Success in Art
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Builds resilience against creative blocks.
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Fosters innovation through trial and error.
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Increases output over time naturally.
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Attracts opportunities unexpectedly.
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Enhances personal satisfaction in creating.
Long-term success in art? Spontaneity's the secret here I chased resolutions for years, got nowhere fast. Switched to flow, and doors opened. Like, gallery invites from random shares and private commissions for people in countries I did not know even existed. Clearly I need to travel more!!!
Try a new medium on a whim. I did clay once—loved it, added to portfolio. Even music in background sparks my flow. Random playlist, unexpected inspiration arrives. Success comes passive sometimes. My blog grew from spontaneous writings, no SEO plan at first. Live life fully chat at events that interest you and which are not always about business related topics, no agenda. Landed collabs that way. For sculptors, gather materials randomly. Inspire spontaneous builds.
Final note
Wrapping this up, New Year's resolutions for artists often backfire because they kill the spontaneous magic we need for real goals. Embracing the flow lets creativity shine without the burnout grind. It's all about riding those inspirational waves, folks!
Tailor this to your style—maybe mix media or change times that fit you. No one's art journey is the same, so experiment.