Patience is not just about waiting—it’s about trusting. Trusting that every brushstroke, every mistake, and every unfinished piece is part of a bigger journey. I used to think patience was something you either had or didn’t. But through art, I realized it’s something you cultivate—one brushstroke at a time.
From what I remember about myself, I’ve always been rather impatient. As a child, I would quickly lose interest in things that didn’t hold my attention. A psychologist might argue it wasn’t impatience, but rather a lack of internal motivation. But as I grew older, I noticed the same pattern emerging—getting overwhelmed, losing focus, and feeling the urge to move on before something was fully complete.
This feeling followed me into my creative process. Whether it was learning a piano piece, starting a new artwork, or tackling anything that required dedication, I would find myself wondering: “These are things I chose. I’m motivated. So why do I feel this restless need to move on?”
It wasn’t until recently that I finally put all the pieces together.
“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” — Michelangelo
Learning Patience Through Art
Last year, I joined an academic art atelier. I expected to refine my technique, but what I truly learned was patience. The structured approach gave me confidence—not because it made things easier, but because it provided a clear path forward. It was like climbing a mountain with a map instead of wandering aimlessly.
I realized that my impatience wasn’t about rushing—it was about doubt. The urge to move on quickly wasn’t just excitement for the next thing. It was an escape from the discomfort of not knowing whether my work would turn out well.
The House of Cards: When Self-Belief is Missing
Self-belief is one of the strongest forces in our psyche. Science proves that belief alone can make a placebo as effective as actual medicine. Yet, when it comes to creative pursuits, we often underestimate its power.
Imagine learning an instrument. You buy a piano, download apps, schedule practice time—yet somehow, you still quit. Not because of a lack of time, but because something inside you whispers, “Maybe I’m just not good at this.”
Without self-belief, patience collapses like a house of cards. Instead of enjoying small progress, you see only imperfections. But when you trust that each step is bringing you closer to something beautiful, patience becomes natural.
Rebuilding Patience
If patience is built on self-belief, how do we strengthen it?
• Trust the process, even when progress feels invisible.
• Shift focus from results to experience. Focusing on the journey makes patience feel natural.
• Recognize that frustration isn’t a failure—it’s a step forward.
Final Thoughts
Patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about believing. Self-belief gives you the confidence to start, and patience keeps you moving forward. When these two align, creativity flows.
What role does patience play in your creative process? Let’s talk in the comments.
댓글