Reader
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One of the things I’m always championing is the idea of starting small. It’s the first thing I mention in the Daily Creative Habit process that I teach.

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If you’re like me, starting small can be hard.
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You have BIG ideas. BIG dreams and goals.

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Everyone is always talking about taking BIG swings.
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We think we need BIG blocks of time before starting our creative project.

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And of course it requires a BIG budget.
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No one has to convince us of the value of BIG. We automatically drift towards it.

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We have a BIG bias.

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But often this leads to BIG roadblocks for us. Because we don’t often have the BIG resources we feel like we need to get started. So we never start, convincing ourselves to wait for BIG.
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When I returned to my creativity after a ten year absence, and in the depths of my depression, BIG wasn’t an option. And that was actually a gift.

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I learned the value of SMALL.

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I could only muster 10 to 15 minutes a day to create. I didn’t have a lot of money or resources (or energy).

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So I had to start SMALL. And I realized quickly that SMALL and CONSISTENT were powerful partners. They led to BIG things over time. Those SMALL daily deposits that added up!

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That’s why it’s a part of the Daily Creative Habit process, one I repeat for every new creative project.
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In full disclosure, I’m working on something new for you. You’ll hear about it soon.

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But as I’m starting this new project, I’m having to revisit the power of SMALL, even though my mind wants to jump to BIG out of the gate.

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It’s tempting to buy all the new software and services, and feel like you need to learn the new methods and skills (and sometimes you do) but when it all starts to feel overwhelming, It’s time for SMALL.

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Because SMALL is manageable. It’s easier to take action on SMALL. And you can always build it to become something bigger over time.
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So I’m following my own advice and process. I’m starting SMALL on something I’ll reveal in a few weeks.

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What about you Reader?

Where has BIG stopped you from creating?

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What could SMALL look like for you in that new creative project you’ve been stalled out on?

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~ Mike Brennan

DAILY PROMPTS

MONDAY: Draw a still life of your favorite objects, using only charcoal.

TUESDAY: Imagine a world where animals have evolved to become the dominant life form. Write a story about what life might be like in this world.

WEDNESDAY: Use only ingredients that are a specific type of cooking ingredient (e.g. oil, butter, sugar, etc.) to make a meal.

THURSDAY: Sketch or photograph a pet or animal that you love.

WEEKEND PROMPT:

Use clay to sculpt a portrait of someone you admire.
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DAILY CHECK-IN

Begin to ask yourself these questions every day as a part of your daily creating rhythms:

1. What did I create today?

2. What did I learn?

3. What can I celebrate?