We often associate star charts with childhood – a fun and colourful way for parents or teachers to encourage kids to stick to complete a set of tasks. But recently, I discovered that this simple tool has value far beyond the classroom. I came across a ‘30-Day Challenge’ chart at a local stationery store and thought, why not give it a try?
The concept is straightforward: you choose a goal, commit to it for 30 days, and mark off the chart each day you achieve it. My goal? To “make art” for at least 20 out of the next 30 days. I decided to extend the idea to my photography practice too, creating a second chart.
Each day, after a session in my studio or behind the camera, I placed a star sticker on my chart. There was something surprisingly satisfying about seeing those stars accumulate. Not only did they create a visual record of my progress, but they also sparked a small sense of achievement.
This wasn’t about perfection or pressure; it was about consistency. Some days, my “art” was just a few minutes of needle felting. On others, it was hours immersed in a fibre painting. The important part was that I was showing up for my creativity.
My experience with the star chart taught me that motivation doesn’t have to come from grand gestures or intense commitments. Sometimes, a simple tool – like a star chart – can be a game changer.
If you’re looking for a way to build consistency in your own goals, consider finding your equivalent of the star chart. It might be a journal, a checklist, an app, or even a jar where you drop a bead for each small win. The key is finding what works for you – something that makes you smile as you track your progress and keeps you gently on course.
Whether you’re pursuing a creative goal, building a new habit, or just wanting to inject a bit of playfulness into your daily routine, I encourage you to give it a go. Start small. Be kind to yourself. And remember, every small star you stick on your chart is a step forward.
What tools or tricks have you used to stay motivated?
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