Laserlike Focus

February 23, 2025


As an artist, maintaining focus can sometimes feel like a monumental task. The world is full of distractions that easily pull our attention in every direction. Whether it’s checking our phones every few minutes, overanalyzing simple decisions, or endlessly searching for inspiration, time can slip away faster than we realize. But in order to truly make progress, we need to recognize how we’re wasting time and make a conscious effort to direct all of our energy toward what truly matters – our art.

Artists, in particular, often find themselves falling into the trap of time wasters. The process of creation can be slow and sometimes even frustrating, and it’s tempting to avoid the struggle by engaging in activities that seem productive but ultimately don’t contribute to the work. For example, social media is one of the most common distractions. Platforms are designed to keep us scrolling endlessly, and it’s all too easy to fall into a loop of checking notifications and reacting to updates, leaving little energy for our creative endeavors.

Another time waster many artists experience is overthinking. We can become so wrapped up in questioning our abilities or the quality of our work that we freeze in place, unable to move forward. Self-doubt is an easy trap to fall into, and it can quickly take over the creative process, leading to long stretches of inaction.

In addition, research can easily turn into a form of procrastination. Seeking out new techniques, trends, or inspiration is important, but too much time spent in the research phase often leaves us feeling overwhelmed. It’s easy to get caught up in finding the perfect reference or discovering the latest technique, and before we know it, we’ve spent hours on research instead of actual creation.

Perfectionism is another major barrier. The pursuit of perfection can be paralyzing for any artist. Spending too much time refining small details that may not even make a significant impact on the final piece often leads to frustration and stifles creativity. The obsession with making everything perfect can be counterproductive, delaying progress and stalling projects indefinitely.

Finally, distractions and interruptions are part of life, but how we handle them makes all the difference. Whether it’s a knock at the door, a phone call, or a moment of self-doubt, distractions can easily derail a creative flow. It’s not about eliminating distractions entirely, but about learning how to minimize their impact.

I’ve found that the key to overcoming these time wasters is to focus all my energy on one thing: my art. I’ve realized that when I prioritize my craft, I become more intentional with my time. I no longer waste it wondering whether I’m "doing it right" or questioning my abilities. I simply sit down, start creating, and allow the process to unfold. The more I lean into the act of making, the less I worry about the outcome, and the faster I move past the mental blocks that used to hold me back.

Instead of endlessly searching for external inspiration or trying to absorb every bit of information, I’ve become more selective in what I consume. I’ve learned to approach my art with intention, focusing on what truly fuels my creativity rather than allowing myself to become overwhelmed by a constant influx of external ideas. This shift in mindset has made a huge difference in my productivity and the quality of my work.

Embracing imperfection has been one of the most liberating changes in my creative journey. Perfectionism often gets in the way of progress, and by letting go of the need for everything to be flawless, I’ve allowed myself to move more freely and experiment with new ideas. I’ve come to understand that the process is just as important—if not more important—than the final result.

I’ve also found that establishing a routine has been essential for maintaining focus. Whether it’s setting aside dedicated time each day or reserving specific hours for creative projects, building a routine around my art has helped me prioritize it in my life. When I schedule time to create, it’s easier to resist distractions and fully commit to my craft.

Ultimately, I’ve learned the power of focused creativity. By eliminating distractions and dedicating my energy solely to my art, I’ve made more progress in a shorter amount of time. The more I immerse myself in the act of creating, the more fulfilled and energized I feel. It’s like tapping into a flow state where the outside world fades away, and all that remains is the work in front of me.

If you’re an artist who struggles with time management or staying focused, take a moment to reflect on how you’re using your time. Are you spending it wisely? Or are you allowing yourself to be pulled in a thousand different directions? By consciously choosing to prioritize your art and eliminate distractions, you’ll find that the time you spend creating is never wasted. In fact, it becomes an investment in your growth and success as an artist.

The most powerful thing I’ve learned is that focus and intention are key. When I give myself the space to create without outside interference, I not only grow as an artist, but I also rediscover the joy and fulfillment that comes from truly engaging with my craft.