Reclaiming the Word Discipline
There’s a kind of discipline I’ve been craving lately. Not the rigid, wake-up-at-5am kind—but the steady, nourishing kind. It’s the kind that reminds me I’m allowed to tend to what I care about. I can do this even when it’s not urgent or externally rewarded. It’s creative discipline.
I’ve noticed this sneaky pattern in myself. The moment things start to flow, I abandon the very habits that helped me get there. I skip the walk. Push the painting session. Let the laundry or the scroll or someone else’s needs take over.
It’s not because I’m lazy. It’s because staying devoted to what fuels me requires effort. And discipline, I’ve realized, is how I protect that devotion.
What Creative Discipline Signals
Discipline, for me, isn’t about control. It’s about commitment. It’s a form of devotion. A way of signaling to myself, my body, my creativity, even the universe: this matters.
Discipline is how I stay in relationship with the life I want to live. With the work I want to create. With the values I say I believe in. It’s what keeps the flow of energy—of life force—circulating.
I don’t fall apart overnight. This happens when I skip the things that anchor me. It’s when I stop checking in with my creative work. It’s also when I let my days get swallowed by logistics. But I start to fray. I get resentful. Ungrounded. Like I’m floating through everyone else’s priorities. That’s what discipline protects me from.
The Role of Discipline in Creative Practice
I don’t always feel inspired to sit down and paint, or write, or share. But I’ve learned that waiting for inspiration is a trap. The work becomes more alive when I’m in regular relationship with it. Even ten minutes can shift something.
Showing up consistently isn’t about forcing creativity. It’s about making space for it. Making a habit of returning to it. Letting it see I’m serious.
This is the exchange of life force. Discipline allows energy to move. It protects the balance between output and input.
When I show up to my creative practice regularly, I feel more like myself. When I follow through on the plans I make for my business, I build self-trust. That trust becomes momentum.
Keeping the System Alive
If this idea of showing up for your creativity in small, consistent ways resonates, you might also like this post I wrote on creative rituals for focus. It’s full of practical ideas for anchoring your attention. These ideas are especially helpful when you’re juggling a lot. They also help when you’re struggling to stay connected to your work.
Your Turn: A Devotion Log
If creative discipline is a signal of devotion, this is a way to make that signal visible. For the next 7 days, keep a simple log. At the end of each day, write down a small act. This act should signal your commitment to yourself or your life force. It doesn’t have to be perfect or polished.
Want a little extra accountability? Set a reminder or keep your log where you’ll see it every morning.
Closing Thoughts on Creative Discipline
Discipline doesn’t have to feel heavy or punishing. It can be a daily practice of staying connected. Of tending to what matters. Of honoring the commitments you’ve made to yourself.
It’s not a replacement for devotion. It is devotion in action.
And every time you choose it, you affirm: this is worth it.
I’m worth it.
See upcoming Watercolor Classes with Jaime Reynolds
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Jaime is a working artist based in Austin, Texas. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in creative burnout. She wanted a deeper connection with her body. So, she dedicated the next 10 years of her life to studying Yoga and Meditation. She studied with some of the top teachers in North America.
She started painting while pregnant with her first child and quickly realized her watercolor practice provided a safe space to remember herself, loosen the tendency for control and regain a quiet mind space. Because of this she dedicated any free moment she could (with two kids) to her paints.
Jaime offers artwork and experiences that encourage a deeper connection with your perfectly imperfect nature.
Community principles & values
Cultivating a kind and supportive community
Creating a safe and inclusive community within the artistic process is something I value deeply. My painting classes and retreats are for individuals of all artistic levels—and I strive to create a space that fosters and encourages collaboration, exploration and an openness to unique perspectives and diverse lived experiences. The same can be applied to this substack ~ open to everyone and a champion of kindness.
