If you are in the creative field, you will probably know the struggles of being a part of the industry. The most daunting aspect of being an artist is that you may face criticism despite giving your best to your work. Stoicism can come to your rescue as it helps a person endure pain or hardship without complaining or displaying negative emotions. The philosophy can carry you through the intimidating journey of creating a piece of art, whether a painting, a book, a screenplay, or a music album. It motivates you to keep going without worrying about the results. Let us explain how creative artists can rely on Stoicism for inspiration.
Always keep moving
Stoics preach the greater good, and you can stay true to the philosophy only if you always keep moving. As an artist, you may experience days of creative block or sheer laziness. But you should not let these feelings stop you from moving toward your next project. Follow the “Rise and Shine” rule and consider every day an opportunity to learn, work, and become better.
Clarify your intentions
Clarifying your intentions is about having an end in mind. According to the Stoics, false conceptions lead to chaotic lives. They emphasize the value of defining a cause and directing one’s efforts to achieve it. You can seek inspiration from the mindset and decide on your goal and timelines at the start of your project. Knowing where you want to reach gives you better chances of fulfilling the goal eventually.
Learn to deal with haters
Artists work in the public domain, so they are likely to encounter haters during the journey. Following the Stoic principles enables you to deal with critics without affecting your mindset and motivation. You can check the best quotes from Epictetus to move with the flow. The great philosopher states that you should not worry about things you cannot control, but accept them and move ahead calmly. If people criticize your work, let them do it and focus on giving your best.
Love the craft
Loving the craft is perhaps the best way to motivate yourself to keep going, regardless of the hindrances you encounter along the way. Make time to practice the art and embrace your wins and losses with aplomb. For a Stoic, nothing is stable, and staying true to your craft through ups and downs is the key to becoming a great artist. The more you love it, the better you become.
Self-assessment is essential
Stoicism encourages self-assessment, and it should be as honest as possible. Overlooking your weakness is harmful as it leads to fluke successes. Likewise, underestimating yourself can lower your morale and cause depression. Learn to dig deep yourself and ask others for feedback to validate self-assessment. The best approach is to identify your strengths and gain confidence in them. Also, discover your weaknesses and find ways to overcome them.
Stoicism can make you a better artist by motivating you to move ahead without worrying about failure or letting success get to your head. Knowing the Stoic principles gives you a good start with embracing them sooner than later.
