Something I keep trying to practice is consistency. Doing something daily so it becomes a habit. I think I have never been able to stick to a project this long (the longest I have done was 80 days of a fitness and nutrition program).
I discovered Elle Luna through her book, The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion. Every year, Elle organizes a 100 Day project, inviting anyone who desires to participate. Each person picks something
Because I have an end goal in mind, I decided to focus on creating small abstract paintings. If you have not watched it yet, check my video regarding my current favorite art supplies to discover the paper I will be using for this project.
I will mostly be using acrylic with other media. I don’t want to put any pressure on my shoulder. It’s okay if I don’t have a finish piece at the end of every day.
What about you? Have you ever done a project like this, committing on creating a practice for a set amount of time? I would love to know about it 🙂
Hi Nolwenn — I can’t wait to see the series you make and how your style evolves as a result! I like that you aren’t expecting the paintings to be finished, just started. I think that’s a great way to keep going and not get bogged down. To answer your question, a couple of years ago I did the Index card a day challenge. I didn’t make it to the end of the month. I’ve stuck with my nutrition program for 5 months so far, so that’s something! ?
Hey Amy, you know what? the only thing I stuck with was a fitness and nutrition program that lasted 80 days and to me that was HUGE. I am the type of woman who thrives for beginnings (of all and any kinds) but then I run out of steam.
I really REALLY want to finish this 100 day project.
I have to run outside of home but will share today’s painting soon. Thank you for your encouragement.
PS: congrats on the 5-month nutrition program! you can do it. Then, it becomes a good habit and we don’t think much about it.
Nolwenn recently posted…100 Days of Abstract Paintings: my take on this year The 100-Day Project
I actually finished project 365. And took a single picture a day. It was tough but I set little goals for myself and treated myself to eating that cookie or buying that piece of camera equipment each milestone. For day 100 my cousin made a cake with 100 on it and I snapped a picture of it. A few photos were actually published online and in my local newspaper. It was a huge achievement in that I haven’t been able to do it since. Good luck!!!
That sounds like such a great project. I love that you rewarded yourself when reaching a milestone! And that you were supported.
What’s keeping you from doing something like this again (not necessarily for 365 days though)?
Nolwenn recently posted…100 Days of Abstract Paintings: my take on this year The 100-Day Project
Nice! I did a similar project for the https://www.hundredheartsproject.org. Essentially, you do 100 somethings for 100 people and share why you’re grateful each is in your life. It’s a gratitude meditation and it’s beautiful.
Myself, I did 100 nebulae paintings. I still have about half to give away, but I’m also writing out why I’m grateful for each person so they’ve got it to reference in future. 🙂
Do you share your nebulae paintings somewhere? This is a fascination of mine and I’d love to see them. If you wander a bit in my blog, you’ll discover that Gratitude plays a big part in my life <3
Nolwenn recently posted…100 Days of Abstract Paintings: my take on this year The 100-Day Project
Hey! They say somewhere around 66 days creates a habit. I’m hoping that the 100 day project will build a new habit for me…I’m intrigued by the ‘end goal in mind’!
I hear so many different theories about how long it takes to form a habit, I don’t know who to believe anymore 😉
Ahah if everything goes according to plan, I’ll share about that “end goal”.
Nolwenn recently posted…100 Days of Abstract Paintings: my take on this year The 100-Day Project
I think 30 days is my outer limit for sustaining things like these, though you made me curious about whether or not I could do a thing for 100. I’m pondering. 🙂
You’re a rockstar. I am sure you could commit to something for 100 days if this something feeds your Soul on a deep level (that is a must for me and you & I are similar on many things).
Nolwenn recently posted…100 Days of Abstract Paintings: my take on this year The 100-Day Project
The only thing I have committed to and completed is Effy’s blog along. I’ve tried the 100 days project before, as well as a 365, ICAD, and 100 happy days. I’m sure I’m missing a couple here and there. But I have never completed any of them.
I am going to try 100 days again, I still haven’t decided fully what I’m doing. Of course, I’m doing Effy’s blog along.
I long to create habit, ritual, practice. I just have a hard time committing because I feel guilty if I can’t do a day or fall off the wagon.
Looking forward to witnessing your 100 day journey.
Lisa, let me tell you something I have learned the hard way: when doing a project like this (that involves daily practice), it’s okay to miss one day. It’s also okay not to do a finished piece (whatever it is you decided to do) on that day. While painting yesterday, I noticed a thought that popped up: “you can do it in stages”. And that’s true. Even just doing a mark on a piece of paper. Add gesso to a page. It’s SOMETHING. And I have learned that “Something” is always better than “Nothing”.
So exciting see you working on something that sparks such joy! I hope you are able to see it through and see the efforts of your work in each painting you do, and I am enjoying seeing the process.
I did a 30 day magical roots challenge last month, mostly great, noticed the things I didn’t do, and I plan to revisit them later.
Thank you so much for noticing the joy, Kimi. I might do a video (or several) of my process for it, because it has both differences and similarities in the creative process I have when bringing a Nixie to life 😉
What was this “30 day of magical roots” challenge? Sounds beautiful!
I still don’t feel brave enough to try a 100 day project. I would like to but am never sure I can commit the time.
I totally understand that. But you know, it can be something simple and that does not require a lot of time in your day <3 I hope you'll give it a try eventually.