Wednesday, November 30, 2016

I Just Hit Myself With A Gauntlet

As part of my ongoing development as an artist I need to set some goals and work towards them.

I want to challenge myself to do two things each week. They are:

  1. Finish at least one art project a week. 
  2. Post to this blog at least once a week. 

Here's the fine print defining what that means.

  • Art projects don't have to be big but they do have to be complete.
  • For the next six months, getting something done to upgrade the studio is going to count as a art project. That way I can take some time to continue to work on the studio projects that need to be done before I can tackle some of the art projects I have in mind.
  • At the very least, the post should tell you what art project got done.
  • Weeks start on Mondays because it's easier not to split the weekend. That means I've got til Sunday night to finish something and let you know about it this week.
  • More than one project or post in a week doesn't mean I get to skip the next week.

There's a problem though.

I've found that just deciding to do something isn't enough to make sure I do it. There's a devious little part of me who insists that just because I decided something doesn't mean I can't undecide it. He tells me, 'No one will know. It's OK to skip it this time.' And then I do.

Once that happens, it's easier the next time. Pretty soon, the resolve is gone and it's all over.

No, if I really want to commit to doing something, I have to make it embarrassing to fail.

What can I say? It's not a trait I'm proud of but it seems to be ingrained. I just have to learn to work with what I've got.

So, I need your help.

If I miss a week, call me on it. Let me know that I messed up in the comments.

One caveat (see how sneaky that inner guy can be?)
I give myself the right not to finish an art piece or post to the blog in a given week if there is a real emergency. You know, if I'm truly ill or there's an emergency in the family. In that case, however, I have to tell you all why it happened.

And you guys get to tell me if my reason is sufficient or not.
Don't be shy about it. The embarrassment is part of the way this works.

Can I count on you?

Gauntlet's down, self. Time to get to work.

6 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I will try to be helpful. And not just because I hope to be able to purchase some of your art someday soon! :-)

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  3. I know you will do it Lew... I laughed about how you plan to do something and sometimes unplanned it because no one will know... I've got lots of half finished stuff in my studio... Best laid plans...
    Do I have to be as good as you in order to bug you?... ��

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    1. Man, I hope not, or I'll have to keep my mouth shut forever.

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    2. Mel, you *are* as good as me. Your enamel work is wonderful. I'm just looking for a helpful kick in the pants when I need it. If my friends do it, I can't complain.

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