My mom used to say "No ifs, ands or buts" which ultimately meant that something had better get accomplished right now.  Putting things off was no longer an option.

I’ve always been a procrastinator and even when I’m inspired by an idea, I allow it to sit in my head for what seems like forever. I’m starting to pay more attention to the habits surrounding my creative process. While some projects may need time for germination, others could be accomplished by simply sitting down and getting started. I committed to creating the pug below, a year before I actually sat down to make it. The process of creating it only took a few days.

Paying attention to our habits and the language we use around them, has a big impact on the way we think about things and ultimately how we behave based on those thoughts.   

As an artist, I get caught up on "if" and "but" on a daily basis.  "If I order these new materials", "if I had more space", "if I could afford that class", "but I have to do this first".  You get the idea.  While some of those items might be helpful, they are not mandatory to my success as an artist.  I only need to sit down and create a sketch in my journal to remind myself that everything I really need is right here in my own body and mind.  Avoiding "if" and "but" helps me tune into the fullness of the present moment with a sense of gratitude for what I already have.

The word "and", on the other hand, supports an all inclusive frame of mind.  Instead of negating two ideas or making binary comparisons,  it helps us to see things from different angles or perspectives simultaneously.  The word “and” gives us the freedom to explore many options or ways of solving a problem.

Through insight meditation, psychology study and the guidance of other creatives, I am learning to change my vocabulary - to think and act using words that are supportive toward living a fulfilling life as a compassionate human being AND as an artist.  I am getting better at sitting down at my desk AND getting to work!

What words hinder your potential? Jot them down and pay attention to how often they come up as well as their impact on what you do throughout the day. If you’re like me, you’ll notice how much more you can accomplish when the “ifs” and “buts” no longer get in your way.