James Chiang

Neither old age nor incapacitation was enough to stop this master from working. For Matisse, art was his life.

“Work cures everything.” — Matisse, Painter

The topic of discipline has been discussed in detail here already. We KNOW it’s important. And we could all use MORE of it. Then why do we still fail and fail so often in this department? The answer is entropy. In other words, it’s not your fault, but if you don’t want your behind kicked, you better think, work and battle.

“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” — Carl Sagan, Scientist

So, instead of re-emphasizing the value of discipline, we’ll talk about how we might get better at it — how to actually become more disciplined.

a) First, think about it in the right way.

Arnold Schwartzeneggar, seen here in the entertaining documentary Pumping Iron. Each repetition takes one closer to the desired result.

“Self-discipline is self-caring.” — M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled

It’s critical to think of discipline in the right way. Not as a chore but as an opportunity. So that each time we do it, it strengthens who we’re supposed to be; it honors our truth. Knowing that every small action we take going forward — doing everything we can and everything we’re supposed to do — brings us one step closer to our dreams. Discipline is, in a way, remembering what you want. How is that not a positive and startling truth that inspires you to grab life by the collar?

b) Be deeply interested in things.

A page from one of Vincent Van Gogh‘s letters to his brother Theo. One of the most beautiful collections I’ve ever read, Van Gogh’s writings reveal with aching beauty what he saw and felt during his short journey on this earth.

“All excellent things are as difficult as they are rare.” — Baruch Spinoza, Philosopher

Being interesting — “being interested in things” — is rare. Very few people in this universe are truly disciplined enough to show a deep interest in anything. Looking at our heroes, what’s one factor above all that separates them from the pack? (hint: it’s not talent). That’s right, it’s their level of interest. The individual that is happier, more successful, living and doing what he loves and is really good at it, is someone who’s intensely passionate and thus completely devoted to his craft/cause. And that attitude of appreciation — which takes effort — permeates their entire being. The average mind is opposite; he’s lackadaisical, passive and even negligent towards most matters not immediately tied to his current obligations or pleasures. To him, his work/craft is like a light jacket he puts on and takes off easily. In contrast, the creative wears a much heavier coat or, perhaps more accurately, one that rarely comes off at all because it’s a part of him. He’s deeply interested in things and often times MANY things. He need not pursue or excel in them all, but he offers deep respect for each. Everything interests an interesting mind.

c) Know that you’ll get both short AND long term gratification.

Illustrator/artist Normal Rockwell seen here in his painting studio. Working on his craft brought him joy and meaning each and everyday.

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.” — W. H. Murray, Writer

What’s amazing about discipline is that once it’s engaged, we immediately feel good. We’ve made a deal with ourselves and kept it. How incredibly gratifying! How simple! And as these short-term gains mount day-in and day-out, our dedication molds our minds into towers of mental-emotional strength. Success and feelings of success is incredibly motivating. Knowing that we’ll feel that much better should we proceed, fighting off what writer Steven Pressfield calls resistance, is often the push we need to get over the hump.

d) Use it to measure priorities.

A page from the beautiful sketchbooks of Illustrator/artist James Jean. Jean draws and creates anywhere and everywhere. The pleasure in the process is evident in every pen stroke.

“Resistance is directly proportional to love. If you’re feeling massive Resistance, the good news is that it means there’s tremendous love there too.” — Steven Pressfield

All great things require work, so it’s not surprising that to contribute greatness for ourselves or society requires an equally great contribution from our personal being. Once something requires serious discipline, we KNOW immediately that it’s high priority. In fact, the amount of discipline required is often proportional to how important it is to take action. If we love something, we’ve got to work for it. After some experience living, I can honestly say I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s one less decision to make.

e) Check and see periodically where you are.

“A jug fills drop by drop.” — Buddha

Like a master tracker in the forest, it’s both wise and practical to see if you’re on course. To track, chart & reward success is extremely important. No matter what it is — exercise, artistic development, social behaviour, etc — it can be recorded and assessed in some sort of manner. The scientific method is built on such objectivity. With a visual record of monitoring the trend, we can put both the negative influence of fear and anxiety into positive use. For example when I don’t draw/paint for a few days I feel very antsy, but when I see objective confirmation of my lack of activity, I get really perturbed — often enough to stop everything that I’m doing at the moment to go create. When it comes to discipline, consistency is everything.

f) Take a “no matter what” approach.

A hero to so many Martin Luther King Jr. was a testament of what it means to be disciplined, to live each day according his principles.

“I have so much to do today, I will need to spend another hour on my knees.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Doing the right thing even when you’re tired, even when you’re hurting. Even if things get too busy, even if you missed the schedule and think it’s too late. Even when people aren’t watching. DO IT ANYWAYS. No more needs to be said.

Summary:

So if you want to be invisibly chained to the all-too-common sickness of inconsistency, complacency and conformity, then by all means ignore the Rule of Discipline. But if you want to raise your odds of living a better and more inspired life — a life committed to excellence and consistency, the kind achieved by numerous creatives despite mankind’s tumultuous history — then the ONLY OPTION is to abide by it.

“Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” — Julie Andrews, Actress

Up Next:

Rules for Creative Living: Rule #5 — Humility

The revolutionary sculptor Henry Moore. A fully equipped mind often accompanies a fully equipped studio.

“Whatever harms an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm.” — Buddha

Preparation is one of the most highly underrated aspects of creation. It’s not uncommon for the average artist to be completely unprepared for the tasks he’s about to embark on. I supposed the current malaise in society encourages this outcome. It sure seems easier to just jump right in OR jump right out. Projects, friendships, careers, and even marriages are entered into and exited from without much hesitation. The advent of technology — which can sometimes be as simple as hitting the “undo” button on the keyboard — promotes an attitude that permits poor planning and even weaker commitment. We’ve become in many ways a direction-less, scatter-brain generation often incapable of clear thought, focused action or patience. This is detrimental not just to the creative but to anyone hoping to live a full and meaningful life.

As an artist, I’ve found numerous benefits to being prepared. This list should make you think twice about abandoning the practice of doing the prep work.

Advantages of Being Prepared:

a) There’s direction in your journey.

Bruce Lee was one cool cat. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my boyhood idol, it was preparation. Bruce knew exactly what he wanted and, with that vision in mind, worked on every single aspect of his craft imaginable.

“Preparation for tomorrow is hard work today.” — Bruce Lee

Knowing where you’re going in life is HUGE. Without at least a rough game plan we’re lost. Hesitation and fear plagues the unprepared. We all know how extreme or unnecessary stress destroys ability to think, see or act clearly. So if you hate feeling like that, get prepared. Do the ground work. Find the books, look for the right teachers. Explore the methods, techniques and tips provided by those before you and around you (if they’re good). Have a workable and realistic game plan. Build the skills you need because these in turn become your tools — tools you’ll bring with you the rest of your creative life. Top performers always look calm and collected because they’re so well-prepared. They have a clear and definitive vision of where there want to take their art and the path to get there.

b) It invites good luck.

The 9 Muses whom according to Greek mythology invented theory and practice in learning, and are responsible for all things creative and artistic.

It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.”
― Ernest Hemingway, Writer

We often think our genius is our own. I think that’s a fallacy. Many things have to go right for things to end up right. Our contribution to any good outcome is always limited despite our skills and even our effort. Therefore, we want to create an atmosphere where the creative muses have a place they’d like to hang out (at least for a while). All great performers know this; luck matters. It’s not easy or common to get “in the zone” so we’ll do anything to get there. Because when it does happens, it feels like magic — stars align, time slows down, and a sensation of living, breathing creative euphoria rushes over you. It feels fortuitous and we know it won’t last. I remember once I was in a figure drawing class, and I was so in step with the creative process that I forgot that anything else existed. I woke out of my trance to see an entire class standing behind me watching me draw (which had been going on for at least 30 mins). It was one of the best and most memorable drawings I would ever make from a live model. I believe this kind of moment can only happen after years of honing the craft doing daily the right things that line up with creative harmony. Those exacting rituals got me ready and open to serendipity. Preparation isn’t just a practice, it’s a mindset that creates a vacuum for excellence.

c) It denotes professionalism.

Every craftsman has a toolbox. What are the tools of your trade?

“Prior preparation prevents poor performance, as they say in the army — and I always, always want to be ready.” ― Anthony Bourdain, Chef

I love being around true professionals, regardless of trade. They are living examples of preparation and prudence. They carry with them an attitude of confidence, assurance and skill that says the job will be done and done right. The true master of his craft always has a solid game plan and all the tools needed for the job. If you’ve ever seen the equipment of a master carpenter, you will see that there’s a large and well-organized allotment of tools, each specifically designed for every kind of situation and project. (I recently worked with a guy who even had his own handmade cases to carry his unique and often handcrafted tools.) The master of his trade is never rushed because he’s on top of things. And there’s nothing more inspiring and reassuring than seeing someone who’s prepared and knows exactly what he’s doing. Solid preparation is a signal of accountability before the job even starts.

d) You improve the odds of success.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
― Benjamin Franklin

Many times it’s about stacking the odds in your favor. And why not? Life is so unforgivingly unpredictable. Although planning never guarantees success, I know of no surer way of avoiding absolute disaster better than thinking and contemplating things ahead of time. Putting it all down on paper — making small versions of what things might come to look like down the road is hugely advantageous. It doesn’t always have to look pretty and usually no one sees it but it’s often this unseen work that makes the foundation for a great piece of art. In fact, I would go as far as say that it’s precisely that kind of “behind the scenes” activity that is the key to success in anything, and not just art.

e) It allows you to be flexible.

The strength in bamboo lies in its flexibility.

“A wise man prepares for treachery.” ― James Clavell, Shogun

As all creative people know, things rarely go smoothly. Even with solid laid out plans and strong abilities, things can and often do go wrong. It’s only a matter of the degree of miscalculation or the size of the unforeseen predicament. But a prepared and intelligent artist has not only a plan but also a back up plan. He’s got the mindset of “if this, then that.” This is difficult because most passionate people are positive and hopeful. They don’t naturally think of the unthinkable. It took me a long long time to learn this and I still struggle with it. But an astute creative is like an astute investor, he budgets for a certain amount of loss and realistic possibility of complete failure. That way, all is not lost even when it seems like it has been. Being open to change and even failure, an artist can go about his business with joy and confidence.

f) It’s actually easier this way.

Each day’s preparedness cumulating into lifetime of excellence is what makes 3-Michelin Star chef Takashi Saito arguably the greatest sushi chef in Japan. Top sushi chefs are like zen masters, always calm and ready for top flight performance.

“Plan for what it is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

We’ve discussed this a thousand times but it’s worth repeating again. Good work takes time to achieve. And often times, it takes even longer for it to be recognized. No wonder an immediate gratification society has no interest in detailed planning or preparatory work. But the thing is, when we’re prepared, we can afford to wait. Soldiers in war spend more time waiting than fighting. Same goes with professionals like firemen and rescue teams. They’re relaxed but at the same time always in the “ready, set, go” position. To be caught in an emergency without knowing what to do would be mentally and emotionally traumatic as well as unacceptable. But it’s equally important for creatives to have such a mindset as well. To struggle making decisions on the fly — constantly over-thinking, analyzing, and doubting — is exhausting, ineffective and inefficient. Being unprepared is highly stressful. Personally, I find it takes me away from my work and away from the creative process. So I believe review, analysis, and assessment must come before and after the work, not during. In being prepared, the pressure drops off significantly so that we can do the job that we need to.

Summary:

Being prepared should be the motto of every creative individual.