The Real Reason You’re “Too Busy” to Make Art

Hey friend,

Let’s start with the truth:

You’re not lazy.
You’re not failing.
You’re not broken.

Even if your art supplies are gathering dust.
Even if you’ve bought three courses and finished none.
Even if you keep saying, “I’ll try again next week.”

You’re human. And your brain is trying to protect you.

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Your Thoughts Create Your Life

There’s a simple tool I use to help myself and my clients figure out what’s really going on.

It’s called The Model.

Here’s how it works, step by step:

1. C = Circumstance — What happened (just the facts)

2. T = Thought — What you think about it

3. F = Feeling — What feeling that thought creates

4. A = Action — What you do (or don’t do) because of the feeling

5. R = Result — What happens because of your action

This happens all day long—like a machine that runs in the background.

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Here’s How It Showed Up for Me

I bought a beautiful sketchbook.

I never used it.

Here’s what was going on:

• Circumstance: New sketchbook

• Thought: “If I mess this up, I’ll ruin it.”

• Feeling: Afraid

• Actions: I avoid painting in the sketchbook, distracted myself, made excuses about time

• Result: Sketchbook stays empty

See that? The problem wasn’t time, perfectionsism, or lack of confidence.

It was my thought or what I made having a new sketchbook mean.

So, I became a tiny bit more intentional and noodled on my thought in order to get a different result.

I did this by writing out a new model.

• Circumstance: New sketchbook

• Thought: “If I don’t like what I paint there is always gesso!

• Feeling: free

• Actions: worked in the sketchbook, did not distract myself, did not make excuses

• Result: Sketchbook filled up with my art

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You Can Use The Model, Too

Here’s a little self-coaching you can try:

1. Pick something you’re not doing (like making art).

2. Ask yourself:

   • What happened? (Circumstance)

   • What am I thinking about it? (Thought)

   • How does that thought make me feel? (Feeling)

   • What do I do or not do when I feel that way? (Action)

   • What result do I get? (R)

Now… try a kinder thought.

Here’s one I use:

“It’s okay to make something messy.”

That thought helps me feel calm.

And when I feel calm, I sit down and make something.

Which helps me feel proud. Not perfect—just proud.

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The Kind Way Forward

You don’t need to push harder.

You don’t need a new planner or more time.

You just need to notice what you’re thinking—

And give yourself a little grace.

Because your art matters.

And so do you.

With love and model sticky notes,
Lynn

If this feels like you, come join me this Saturday for our workshop: “When the Courses Don’t Work Anymore.” We’ll walk through The Model together, talk about why we stall out, and practice kind, simple ways to start again—no shame, no pressure, just a fresh beginning.

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Ready to Begin Again—Together?

Join me for a free 60-minute Zoom workshop:
✨ When the Courses Don’t Work Anymore
A gentle reset for creative women who feel stuck (again)

🗓 Saturday, June 14
⏰ 9:00–10:00 AM PT
🎨 We’ll reflect, create, and reset—no guilt, no pressure.

👉 Click here to save your spot
Come as you are.
Bring your unfinished course (or just your coffee).
We’re not trying to finish—we’re just starting again.

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