As January moves along, it’s easy to feel the initial excitement of resolutions begin to fade. Life gets busy, distractions arise, and before you realize it, your brushes are dry, your palette is crusty, and you haven't touched your watercolors since the first week of the year.
Many painters believe they just need more discipline to stay consistent with their art. But here’s the thing: creativity doesn’t thrive under rigid discipline and pressure. Instead of forcing yourself to push through, what if you could feel naturally pulled toward your art?
That’s where intrinsic motivation comes in. It’s the spark that comes from within—the joy of making something new, the fun of exploring an idea, or the curiosity to see where a project will take you.
Intrinsic motivation is fueled by genuine interest and delight, making it a sustainable and powerful force for your creativity.
On the flip side, extrinsic motivation relies on outside factors like deadlines, praise, or competition. While it can be helpful at times, it often leaves us feeling drained or disconnected from the joy of creating.
Think of the difference between push vs. pull:
Extrinsic motivation feels like a push—forcing yourself toward a goal because you “should.”
Intrinsic motivation feels like a pull—a magnetic excitement that draws you to your art because you truly want to.
“For artists, scientists, inventors, schoolchildren, and the rest of us, intrinsic motivation—the drive to do something because it is interesting, challenging, and absorbing—is essential for high levels of creativity.” -Daniel H. Pink, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
How to Tap Into Intrinsic Motivation
Here are three simple ways to cultivate intrinsic motivation:
- Choose a project that excites you. Genuine curiosity will naturally pull you toward your art.
- Start small. Big projects can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into tiny, manageable steps—like setting out your supplies for 5 minutes—keeps the momentum going.
- Keep it fun. Experiment, play, and let go of the pressure to be perfect. The process is what truly matters.
Let’s Keep Creating
Creativity thrives when it feels like play, not pressure. Find what pulls you toward your art, take small steps, and enjoy the process.
