Monday Motivation: 20 June

Got the Monday blues? Reclaim the day and set the tone for the entire week with these helpful, motivational tidbits:

“Every artist was first an amateur” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s “Monday Motivation” is brought to you by the world of art, so it’s appropriate that US essayist Emerson sets the scene with this poignant quote.

It serves as a reminder that experts in their respective fields were once beginners, too. Talent and experience comes with time, so don’t feel down on yourself if your early efforts aren’t recognised at first. Remember, the apex of the tallest pyramid would be nothing without the base on which the pyramid sits.

“Creativity takes courage” – Henri Matisse

Frenchman Matisse was known for his revolutionary strides in the visual arts, employing bold, bright colours and paper cut-outs to do so. Thus, his words serve as a reminder that to showcase your vision and originality, sometimes it takes more than one step at a time – it takes a leap of faith.

“Action is the foundational key to all success” – Pablo Picasso

Like his contemporary Matisse, Picasso was famous for his strides in modern art, becoming renowned for his Cubist style and Surrealist approach to his paintings and sculptures. He reminds us that while it’s good to have dreams, goals and hopes, they will not bring you happiness and success unless you act on them. To see progress, you must take action, no matter how big or small that action is.

“Every artist dips their brush into their own soul, and paints their own truth into their pictures” – Henry Ward Beecher

Wise words from US clergyman and abolitionist Beecher, ones that you should always keep in mind: whatever project you complete or work you create, you want it to be a prime example of your personal expression. Aim to give purpose and meaning to your work – in other words, give something, if not all, of yourself. Otherwise, your true self – and your true worth – may never get to be witnessed.