We’ve all heard the old saying, “slow and steady wins the race,” but how often do we really apply that wisdom to our creative lives? In a world that feels like it’s always on fast-forward, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, constantly trying to create, produce, and improve at lightning speed. But here’s a secret: creativity doesn’t have to be a sprint. In fact, sometimes the best work comes from embracing your inner sloth—taking things slow, being deliberate, and letting creative discipline develop naturally.
In this blog, we’ll talk about why slowing down can actually help you master the art of creative discipline, how to build habits that support your artistic growth, and why you don’t need to rush to get where you’re going. So, let’s take a breath, chill out, and explore how sloth-like patience can lead to big creative wins.
The Myth of the Fast Track
First things first: let’s clear up the myth that creativity has to be a fast-paced process. It’s easy to scroll through social media and see artists posting work every day or watch someone complete a painting in a two-minute time-lapse and feel like you’re falling behind. But the truth is, those polished products and quick progressions are often just the surface. What you don’t see are the countless hours of work, the drafts, the failures, and—most importantly—the time that went into each piece.
Creativity is not a race. Trying to rush your process can actually stunt your growth as an artist. When you’re constantly trying to speed through projects or churn out new work, you lose the space to explore, experiment, and truly understand your craft. It’s in those slow, thoughtful moments—when you’re not worried about the clock—that real creative breakthroughs happen.
Think of some of the greatest masterpieces in history—none of them were created overnight. So why expect your best work to be any different? The key to long-term creative success is not in sprinting but in staying steady, learning from each step, and allowing your artistic voice to unfold at its own pace.
Creating a Routine: The Art of Creative Discipline
So how do you embrace this “slow and steady” approach without feeling like you’re slacking off? It’s all about building a routine that feels good for you—one that encourages consistency but doesn’t feel like a grind.
Creative discipline doesn’t mean forcing yourself into a rigid schedule where every minute of your day is accounted for. Instead, it’s about creating a framework that allows you to show up regularly while still enjoying the process.
For some, that might mean setting aside 30 minutes each morning to sketch, paint, or brainstorm ideas before starting the rest of your day. For others, it could be reserving a few hours on the weekend to dive deep into a project. The key is finding what works for you, something you can stick with because it feels natural and rewarding—not like a chore.
And remember, flexibility is your friend. If you’re feeling inspired one day, go ahead and spend extra time on your work. If you’re having an off day, it’s okay to dial it back. The goal is to create a routine that helps you show up consistently, but with enough breathing room that creativity can flow naturally.
Small Steps, Big Progress
One of the biggest barriers to creative discipline is the feeling that you need to accomplish huge things all at once. We set these big goals—finish a painting by the end of the week, complete an entire portfolio in a month, write a book in three months—and when we don’t hit those milestones, we get discouraged.
But here’s where sloth-like thinking comes in handy: small, consistent steps lead to big results. You don’t need to churn out an entire body of work in one sitting. Instead, focus on making a little bit of progress each day. One sketch here, a bit of painting there, a paragraph or two—whatever your art form is, those small steps add up.
Imagine what you could accomplish over a year if you just dedicated 30 minutes a day to your craft. Even on days when inspiration doesn’t strike, that small effort keeps you moving forward. And over time, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ve made, without feeling burned out or overwhelmed.
Letting Your Mind Wander (Productively)
Believe it or not, one of the best things you can do for your creative discipline is to let your mind wander. It might sound counterintuitive, but intentional downtime—those “slow moments”—can actually fuel your creativity.
We live in a culture that values constant productivity, but creativity doesn’t always thrive under those conditions. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not actively working. Think about all the times you’ve had a great idea while taking a walk, doing the dishes, or even while showering. That’s because when you’re relaxed and not trying to force creativity, your mind is free to make connections, explore new ideas, and get inspired.
So, don’t be afraid to take a break or let yourself daydream. That downtime is just as valuable to your creative process as the time spent with a pen or brush in hand. Sloths know how to enjoy a good nap, and maybe you should, too!
How to Handle Those Creative Blocks
Even with the best intentions, every artist hits creative blocks. It’s part of the process. The important thing is not to panic when you hit one and definitely don’t rush to force yourself out of it. Creative blocks can actually be a good thing—a sign that you need to slow down and refocus.
When you’re feeling stuck, take a step back and breathe. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is by stepping away from the canvas, the page, or the project for a bit. Let your mind rest. Revisit your routine, and give yourself permission to create without the pressure of perfection. Sketch something silly, play with colours, or experiment with a new medium—anything to get your creativity flowing again, without worrying about the outcome. Many successful artists incorporate the Pomodoro Technique into their creative process. This method involves breaking work into focused 25-minute sessions, followed by a 5-minute break.
Remember, sloths don’t rush, and neither should you. Be patient with yourself during these times, and trust that inspiration will come back when it’s ready.
Celebrate Every Win (No Matter How Small)
Here’s a tip that sloths would surely approve of: celebrate every win, no matter how small. We often get so focused on the big picture—the completed project, the finished portfolio—that we forget to appreciate the little victories along the way.
Did you spend 20 minutes sketching today? That’s a win. Did you finally figure out how to blend two tricky colours? Win. Did you come up with an idea for your next project, even if you haven’t started yet? Yep, that’s a win, too.
Creative discipline is built on these small moments of progress. By celebrating each step, you’re reinforcing the habit of showing up and staying motivated. Plus, those small wins give you the confidence boost you need to keep going, even on days when things don’t seem to be coming together.
To wrap up, sloth is the new steady..
At the end of the day, mastering creative discipline isn’t about rushing to get things done. It’s about showing up regularly, taking small steps forward, and letting your creativity unfold naturally. Like the sloth, you don’t need to hurry to achieve great things—you just need to keep moving at your own pace.
So, embrace the slow, steady approach. Take time to explore your craft, let your mind wander, and trust that progress will come with patience. The creative journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and there’s no finish line—you’ll keep growing and evolving as long as you stay committed.
Remember, every little step counts, and there’s no rush. Just keep creating, and you’ll get where you’re meant to be—slow, steady and consistent, like the sloth.