Week two of quarantine I had the realization: all my rewards are gone! No wonder I’m having trouble being disciplined about work.
My rewards were simple things: going to a coffee shop and getting a nice latte. Seeing friends in person. Taking a dog walk with another dog.
Unconsciously, I was making this tradeoff with myself daily: I’ll focus and work hard for 8 hours in studio, but I get my reward and my break.
Sometimes it was a trip to the art store. Sometimes 15 minutes alone at a fancy coffee shop. Plus, social evenings with friends.
It took me a long time to realize it, but my art-making psychology is very reward-oriented. Without those simple rewards, I don’t want to work in the studio.
So I’ve had to come up with new rewards. But they aren’t as effective. Suggestions?
