Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the pottery class where half the students were graded on one ‘final exam’ pot and the other half were graded on the weight of all the pots made during the semester. Of course you know which group created the best work. Click here to read the whole story, the moral of which is that quantity leads to quality.

I’m taking a rather intense online art course called “Find Your Joy” with Louise Fletcher. Beside her encouragement to do lots of experimenting to find out what you like and do more of that, she invites us to post in a special Facebook group. 

I don’t love spending time on Facebook. Sometimes I slip into despair when I see post after post announcing that people have sold paintings. It felt like I would only be “a successful artist” if I sell paintings. 

But is that how I want to define success? Do I really want to bind my artist self to the buying whims of people I don’t control? To forces outside myself?

What if I redefined success? 

What if my metrics of success only included those things I control?

Here’s how I am redefining success now: 

• I am feeling ‘successful’ because I spent hours today mixing paint, creating small sketches and painting shards of color variations on red.

• I am successful today because I actually painted instead doing other things that I am better at. Like reading…I’m more skilled at reading than painting so I frequently choose reading over painting to avoid the risk of failing.

• I am successful today because I stayed present and enjoyed the process. I did not distract myself with social media.

• I am successful today because I learned what I like (using bold contrasting colors) and what I don’t like (painting crisp edges).

• I am successful today because I discovered a way to enjoy red - it is a vibrant dancing partner and a lively background!

• I am successful today because I can’t wait to paint again tomorrow!

This same concept is true outside the studio. Regarding getting fit and losing weight, I can only control what and how much I put into my mouth, what time I go to sleep, and how frequently I move my body. I can’t actually control the number on the scale because there are so many other variables, so defining success as a magical number on the scale is a recipe for frustration. My success metrics here include being consistent in taking long, challenging walks, and eating loads of veggies.

I control when and whether I show up and what I do and explore while I am present to my art practice. I don’t control how other people see me or my work - whether they “like” it or buy it - so I avoid using those metrics in my definition of success. 

How can you redefine success to include only that which is under your control? 

It is empowering to create your own definition of success.  Choose what leads to your greater flourishing and let go of all the rest!