February 19, 2013

Since New Year’s Day this year, I’ve been publishing a new Inspirational Quotograph every day. You may have seen them. You may even subscribe. If you do, I really appreciate you being here.

Yes, you read that correctly. I publish a new one Every. Single. Day.

I haven’t missed one yet. I’ve had a few close calls, but still got them published in time for the automatic morning email dispatch.

I wanted to share with you the amazing sense of satisfaction I feel, that I’ve produced 50 beautiful inspiring art pieces, in just over 7 weeks. I also feel uplifted every time I look back over the body of work and think “I made that”. In the moments where I feel rubbish, it gives me such a boost.

In short, I’ve found value and joy in committing to a small task, doing it consistently well, and doing it every single day.

I have also found enormous value in being true to my initial commitment to publish one Inspirational Quotograph, for free, every day. The Daily IQ’s are a gift to myself and the universe, and everyone else who wants to come along on the ride.

(Interested in receiving the Daily IQ’s? Click here to subscribe.)

After I was diagnosed with depression in 2011, I had been searching for something to do with my photography and creativity that is nourishing in and of itself.

The Daily IQ’s have no other purpose than to share something beautiful with the world, and allow myself to take pride and satisfaction in the pure act of creation. They’re a form of therapy, in consciously finding something positive and uplifting to create each day.

I’ve have also discovered that doing something consistently every single day takes effort, and sometimes struggle. There have been moments where I’ve felt like quitting.

But having stuck with it now for a month and a half, I have found the habit easier and easier to maintain.

I guess that’s the main point I want to make.

Sticking with something takes effort at the start, but it gets easier and easier with practice and repetition.

So START. Get moving. Once you’re in motion, it’s easier to keep going.

You may be scared at the outset, when you first COMMIT to the action, but the fear is simply your brain trying to avoid change. Go for it. Ignore your brain and its feeble protests – stay true to your heart, and build that habit through daily repetition.

I have to admit, knowing that there’s now an community of people around the world who eagerly await their Daily IQ each day makes it impossible for me to drop the ball now. I mean, I can’t let them down or let myself down – there’d be riots in the streets! (OK, maybe not…)

Either way, this small but gorgeous group of people have made the project so much more fulfilling, as I know I’m being true to myself, and to others.

What have you been wanting to do every day, but avoiding? I’d love for you to leave a comment and tell me about it.

As always, with love,
Israel. xo

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