The Power of YET
“There is no never… Just long periods of not yet.”
~Solenn Housaff
I’m a big believer in the benefits of maintaining a growth mindset. Not only does it improve your outlook (because anything is possible, it just hasn’t happened…YET), but amazing things can be achieved if you keep believing and working toward them. To me, this is the power of yet. The difference between “I can’t do this” and “I can’t do this… YET” is enormous.
When someone tells me they can’t (fill in the blank here). In my head, I always add… YET. (Maybe that’s just more of the voices inside my head). Anyway, reminding myself of this regularly helps me immensely. It’s a mindset that keeps me trying and reminds me to keep learning and growing. When something doesn’t come out quite the way I hope, I try to always say to myself “you’re not there… yet” and keep working at it.
Do you do this too? If not, give it a try for yourself! I’d love to hear if it works as well for you.
As mentioned in my last post, I’ve been trying out a new process lately for completing small studies (practice versions) in preparation for some larger pieces. Two studies are in progress. To be honest, it’s been a real struggle for me to treat them as simple studies instead of simply smaller paintings. Letting go of the need to make them perfect is sooooo hard! True confession, the frustration of it has led to avoiding my easel a bit lately. Guess that means figuring out the best answer for my painting process and practice is not quite there… YET!
Until next time, I’ll be here in my studio working on new paintings for you to enjoy.
Barbara
In other news...
I’m happy to report that one of my pieces, “Hope” has been accepted into a wonderful initiative – The Great American Paint In. This online exhibit is a special project to document the 2020 world pandemic through the eyes of America’s great artists. It recognizes artists and shares their pandemic stories and artwork. Check it out to see some great artwork and wonderful and inspirational stories.
“Hope" in The Great American Paint In
What’s next?
I’ve started the sketch for my next big (18x24) commission (teaser: the title will be “Summer School”). I’m also continuing to work toward completion of the two bigger pieces the studies in progress are prep toward.
Stay tuned!
Please feel free to share this with anyone you think might enjoy this message or my art!
You can always see more at BTeusinkArt.com
