Listen to Should Creating Always Be Fun? The Truth About Art and Discipline:
Creativity is often romanticized. We see the highlight reels—the effortless performances, the finished paintings, the viral posts. But what about the moments when creating isn’t fun? What about the days when motivation is nowhere to be found?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing something wrong because your creative work feels hard, this post is for you.
Let’s talk about the reality of creative discipline, why art isn’t always fun, and how to build a sustainable creative habit that helps you thrive.
Should Creating Always Be Fun? The Truth About Art and Discipline.
Don’t get me wrong—being an artist and creating can be fun! If it’s a hobby you do for joy, that’s wonderful.
But many of my readers are pursuing art as a career, and along the way, many of us internalized the false idea that if our creative work isn’t always fun, we must be on the wrong path.
The truth? Artistry is a mix of joy, discipline, and challenge. It’s not about constant ease—it’s about commitment to the process.
Maybe it started in childhood—where art was play, a place of pure joy and expression. Or maybe it’s social media’s fault, making creativity look effortless.
But here’s the truth:
🎭 Creativity itself is a flow state. It’s something we all have.
🎨 Artistic expression is different—it requires effort. And effort isn’t always fun.
The sooner we separate the two, the sooner we can stop waiting for inspiration and start creating consistently.
Should Creating Always Be Fun? The Reality: Art Requires Discipline
The best artists—writers, dancers, musicians, actors—show up even when they don’t feel like it. They don’t wait for inspiration; they build systems that allow creativity to flourish.
💡 Think about it like this: Creativity is a muscle. You don’t get stronger by waiting for the perfect day to work out—you build strength by showing up regularly.
For me, that looked like:
✅ Writing my book for years, even on the days when it felt impossible.
✅ Training as a dancer in London, even when I was exhausted from the commute.
✅ Showing up for my creative work, even when motivation was nowhere to be found.
If you want to be an artist—not just someone who creates when it’s convenient—you have to build discipline into your creative process.
How to Stay Consistent: Atomic Habits for Artists
In Atomic Habits, James Clear lays out a simple system for building habits that stick. Here’s how artists can apply it to their creative practice:
1. Make It Obvious
→ Set up your creative space so your tools are visible and accessible. If your materials are buried in a drawer, you won’t use them.
2. Make It Attractive
→ Pair your creative work with something you enjoy. Love coffee? Only let yourself drink your first cup once you start painting, writing, or rehearsing.
3. Make It Easy
→ Set tiny goals. Instead of saying, “I’ll write 1,000 words,” start with one sentence. Instead of “I’ll draw for an hour,” start with five minutes. Momentum builds from there.
4. Make It Satisfying
→ Track your progress. Seeing a streak of completed creative sessions motivates you to keep going.
You don’t need to rely on motivation. You need systems that make showing up easier.
The Truth About Art and Discipline. Passion + Effort = Creative Success
Passion will get you started, but effort will keep you going.
If you only create when you feel inspired, your progress will be slow and inconsistent. But if you set up habits that support your creativity, you’ll see results—even on the hard days.
💡 Here’s your challenge:
- Reframe discipline as devotion to your craft.
- Start small—just five minutes a day is enough to build momentum.
- Commit to creating, even when you don’t feel like it.
The artists who succeed aren’t the ones who wait for the perfect moment. They’re the ones who create anyway.
🚀 Ready to Get Unstuck? Here’s Your Next Step.
If you’re struggling to gain momentum in your creative work, I’ve got something for you— a simple, effective way to reconnect with your creativity and start making progress again.
💡 Grab my FREE guide: Stuck in a Creative RUT?
It’s based on life coaching principles and my own journey as an artist—giving you three simple steps to reignite your passion and make real progress.
📩 Get it now at larabiancapilcher.com.
🎧 Want more insights? Listen to the full podcast episode here.
With you on the journey, friend.
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!