Harnessing Patience through a Creative Practice

Harnessing patience through a creative practice can transform the way you approach life. Creativity, when approached with patience, has the power to slow you down, alleviate stress, and help you breathe a little easier in this fast-paced world we all live in today. Most of us want to be more patient in life, right? We get frustrated when things don’t move quickly enough, or when we feel like we’re constantly in a rush. I have found personally that a fun way to build more patience has been through embracing my creativity Yes, it might sound too good to be true, but I really believe that adopting a creative practice can help you develop patience in a way that feels natural, enjoyable, and even relaxing. It’s about learning to slow down, appreciate the process, and shift your focus away from always needing to "get there."

So, if you're looking for a fun, easy way to bring more patience into your life, I invite you to give creativity a try. Here's how embracing creativity with patience can help you unwind, breathe, and become more at ease in all areas of life.

Embrace Creativity with an Open Mind

The first step to harnessing patience in creativity is to approach your practice with an open mind. Leave your expectations at the door. Instead, embrace the act of creating for the sake of creating. Allow yourself to be open to whatever emerges from the process.

When we approach creativity with an open mind, we can let go of the pressure to perform or have a particular outcome. It’s about stepping into the unknown and letting the creative energy flow without restrictions. This process of exploration requires patience because the outcome is never certain. But that’s what makes it so exciting—and so freeing.

In a world where achievements and accomplishments are celebrated, it can be hard to just let yourself play and experiment without an end in mind.  I often didn’t want to create because I felt like I was wasting supplies if I wasn’t going to create a masterpiece.  I didn’t realize how much I missed just playing with out feeling like I needed to check a box off my to do list.

Learn to Love the Process, Not the Outcome

This is a big one. Our culture is obsessed with results—whether it’s the finished painting,

the perfect project, or the completed task. We often forget that true creativity lives in the process, not the product. When we focus too much on the outcome, we miss out on the joy

of simply creating.

The key to patience in creativity is shifting your focus from the outcome to the process itself. Think about it: each brushstroke, each written word, each sketch—it’s all part of a larger journey. When you give yourself permission to enjoy the act of creating rather than stressing over the final result, something magical happens. The pressure lifts, and you begin to appreciate the small moments of discovery and growth that happen along the way.

This will look a bit different depending on your activity of choice.  For my artwork, I approach it without an end in mind. Sometimes I pick a color scheme to get me started, then let the process lead me to the next step, kind of like a choose your own adventure book.  I also take this approach when taking photos out in nature, or trying new recipes.  I treat it as an experiment and go into it asking myself, “I wonder what will happen if I try this?”  I learn something new every time!

Embrace Failure as Part of the Journey

It’s hard, I know. We all want our work to be wonderful, and we’re all afraid of failure. But the truth is, failure is an essential part of the creative process. When you embrace failure, you give yourself permission to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Failure isn’t something to fear—it’s something to learn from. Every time something doesn’t work out the way you expected, you gain valuable insights that help you grow. Creativity requires experimentation, and experimentation involves making mistakes. Rather than seeing failure as a setback, see it as an opportunity to try something new, to refine your skills, and to approach your work from a fresh perspective.

And here’s the thing: the more you embrace failure, the more you’ll begin to love the journey. You’ll realize that failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the adventure. It’s all part of the learning process that makes your creative practice richer, deeper, and more rewarding.

Make Repetition and Practice Fun

Patience doesn’t always come naturally, especially when we feel like we’re repeating ourselves over and over again. But repetition is key to mastering any skill, whether in creativity or in life. The trick is to make that repetition fun.

Instead of seeing each creative session as a chore or a checklist, try to find enjoyment in the act of practice itself. You can try new things with each piece of work, experiment with new techniques, or simply focus on improving one small detail at a time. Repetition doesn’t have to be boring—it can be an opportunity for growth and experimentation. When you enjoy the process, it stops feeling like “work” and starts feeling like play.

This is where patience really comes in: it’s the willingness to keep showing up, day after day, to practice and refine your craft without rushing to the finish line. The beauty of repetition is that it builds momentum, and over time, you’ll see improvement, even if it feels slow at first. The more you practice, the more patient you become with yourself and with the process.

How This Will Alleviate Stress and Slow You Down

I know that life can feel like a whirlwind at times. We all have so much going on, and the demands of our busy schedules can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, and drained. But when you approach creativity with patience, you begin to slow down. You’re not focused on achieving a specific goal or rushing through the process—you’re simply enjoying the moment, trusting the journey, and allowing things to unfold at their own pace.

Slowing down and practicing patience in your creative practice can help you find a sense of peace. The act of creating becomes a form of mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment rather than getting lost in future outcomes or past mistakes. And with this sense of mindfulness comes a release of stress and anxiety.

When you embrace the process of creativity rather than obsessing over the end result, you’re not only nurturing your artistic side—you’re also nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. Creativity, in this way, becomes a tool for relaxation, for breathing, for finding balance in a chaotic world.

Why You Should Give It a Try

I truly believe that embracing creativity with patience is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It’s not just about making beautiful art, a print worthy photo, a spectacular dinner, or writing a best seller—it’s about learning how to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the process of discovery. It’s about accepting that you don’t have to have all the answers right away and learning to love the journey, mistakes and all.

So, I invite you to give it a try. Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush, writing in a journal, or trying any creative practice that calls to you, start with patience. Make the process your focus. Don’t worry about how it turns out. Instead, focus on the act of creating itself, and let the repetition and practice become a source of joy, rather than stress.

I promise, when you start embracing creativity this way, not only will you see progress in your work, but you’ll also start noticing a shift in how you approach life—more patient, more relaxed, and a little bit lighter. Creativity has a magical way of teaching us to slow down, breathe, and embrace the beauty of the present moment.

So, if you’re looking to add more patience into your life, take up a creative practice. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to slow down, embrace the process, and experience the power of patience. Give it a try, and watch how it changes not just your art, writing, or cooking skills, but your life.

Thanks for reading today!  I want to invite you to sign up for my newsletter!  I have so many exciting things coming up this year and by signing up for the newsletter, you’ll get more ideas on how to embrace your creativity, build a growth mindset, and a front-row seat to all my latest projects, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and special announcements. I’d love for you to be part of this journey and share in the creativity! Get it HERE.