How to Decide on the “Right” Goal

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Join us inside Growth Studio

38:16

Many of us are entering the new year with a similar goal — to build community and connect more with others. To kick off season five, Priya Parker shares ideas on how to be the host with the most. An expert on building connection, Priya is the author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.” Whether it's a book club, wedding, birthday or niche-and-obscurely themed party, Priya and Chris talk about how to create meaningful and fun experiences for all of your guests — including yourself. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts . For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey here ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 30:54

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Setting goals isn’t just about the end result; it’s also about personal growth and transformation. You feel disappointed and perhaps like you’re spinning your wheels a bit when you don’t achieve what you’ve set out to do. And a struggle to decide the ‘right' goal for you might be getting in the way of that feeling of satisfaction, happiness, and pride in your art practice.

So how do you choose if you have a million ideas and feel like you can’t pick just one to go with? In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the common fears associated with goal-setting and the part your brain plays in the process. I’ll also give you some practical tips to help you decide which goals to pursue.

1:58 - What setting goals helps you avoid and common struggles of artists who don’t have clear goals

8:32 - Why artists struggle with choosing the “right” goal and trusting their decision

16:34 - Why your brain creates obstacles to achieving your goals and how to deal with it

21:09 - How to decide if you feel like you have too many ideas

25:52 - The importance of trusting your decision once you’ve made it

Mentioned in How to Decide on the “Right” Goal

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Chapters

1. How to Decide on the “Right” Goal (00:00:00)

2. What setting goals helps you avoid and common struggles of artists who don’t have clear goals (00:01:58)

3. Why artists struggle with choosing the “right” goal and trusting their decision (00:08:32)

4. Why your brain creates obstacles to achieving your goals and how to deal with it (00:16:34)

5. How to decide if you feel like you have too many ideas (00:21:09)

6. The importance of trusting your decision once you’ve made it (00:25:52)

353 episodes

How to Decide on the “Right” Goal

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

302 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

1:58 - What setting goals helps you avoid and common struggles of artists who don’t have clear goals

8:32 - Why artists struggle with choosing the “right” goal and trusting their decision

16:34 - Why your brain creates obstacles to achieving your goals and how to deal with it

21:09 - How to decide if you feel like you have too many ideas

25:52 - The importance of trusting your decision once you’ve made it

Mentioned in How to Decide on the “Right” Goal

Join us inside Growth Studio

Support the show

Chapters

1. How to Decide on the “Right” Goal (00:00:00)

2. What setting goals helps you avoid and common struggles of artists who don’t have clear goals (00:01:58)

3. Why artists struggle with choosing the “right” goal and trusting their decision (00:08:32)

4. Why your brain creates obstacles to achieving your goals and how to deal with it (00:16:34)

5. How to decide if you feel like you have too many ideas (00:21:09)

6. The importance of trusting your decision once you’ve made it (00:25:52)

353 episodes

All episodes

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Why Rejection Hurts—and What to Do With It 23:54

10 days ago23:54

23:54

Today, we’re talking about something that every artist encounters—but few talk about openly: rejection. Whether it’s a juried show, a gallery application, or simply putting your work on social media, the fear of hearing “no” often holds artists back in big ways. But here’s the truth: rejection isn’t the problem. It’s the meaning we attach to it that creates so much pain and paralysis. Antrese breaks down: Why rejection feels so intense—and why that’s totally normal The science behind the physical response to rejection (it’s not all in your head) How your brain turns a simple “no” into a worst-case-scenario spiral Real stories from Growth Studio artists navigating fear, discomfort, and unexpected wins What it means to build rejection resilience—and how to do it You’ll also hear about a two-month Rejection Challenge happening inside Growth Studio, and why some artists are already discovering that the “no’s” they feared are turning into surprising “yeses.” If rejection has ever stopped you from taking action, this episode is for you. Links and Resources: Learn more about Growth Studio Connect with Antrese: @savvypainterpodcast Like what you hear? Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more artists find this show. And if you know someone who needs to hear this, send it their way. Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
In the Zone: Artists Talk Flow State (and Losing Track of Time) 47:52

18 days ago47:52

47:52

Have you ever been so immersed in your painting that you completely lost track of time? That magical moment where everything clicks, the inner critic goes quiet, and it feels like the brush is moving on its own? That’s what we’re diving into today—flow state. But here’s the twist: is flow always a good thing? Or can it actually hold you back from experimenting and growing as an artist? In this episode, I’m bringing you inside Growth Studio for a real, unfiltered conversation with artists who are wrestling with those exact questions. You’ll hear how each of us defines and experiences flow, the unexpected ways it shows up (or doesn’t), and why your version of it might look completely different from anyone else's. Whether you’ve had that dreamy, meditative painting session or you’re wondering why it feels so elusive, this conversation will make you think differently about what flow actually is—and how it might be the key to unlocking your most authentic work. In This Episode: What flow state actually feels like—and why it’s different for everyone The surprising relationship between flow and experimentation How presence and letting go of self-judgment are key to deep creative focus The role of technical skill in entering (and sustaining) a flow state Why some artists lose track of time, and others feel like they “wake up” to a finished painting How being seen by others can either block or boost your creative rhythm And why finding flow might just be a form of falling in love—with your art and with yourself Big Takeaways: Flow isn’t a formula—it’s deeply individual and may even shift over time. Being fully present is what unlocks your most powerful creative moments. Community matters—having other artists to talk with, compare notes, and challenge your thinking expands what’s possible. And maybe most importantly: flow feels like love—something you never want to end. If this episode speaks to you, imagine having these kinds of conversations all the time. That’s exactly what we do inside Growth Studio. If you’re looking for a supportive, inspiring artist community that challenges you and cheers you on— come join us. Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Finding Joy and Creative Possibility in Unfinished Work 33:44

9 weeks ago33:44

33:44

Do you often feel guilty or frustrated when you see a piece of unfinished art in your studio? Instead of seeing that as proof of something wrong with you or your art practice, let’s transform your relationship with your works-in-progress and unlock new (and often overlooked) possibilities! In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast , learn how unfinished work holds the key to your next creative breakthrough. I explore the various types of incomplete pieces and the emotional baggage attached to them, how to overcome the self-criticism surrounding unfinished work, how to know when it’s time to release your hold on partly-done artwork, as well as advocate for embracing the untapped potential of unfinished art as part of creating a positive practice. 1:39 – How I tend to categorize unfinished work 5:05 – Internal and external reasons for leaving paintings unfinished 6:58 – Common negative thoughts about unfinished work and my philosophy for creating a positive art practice 13:05 – How to embrace the idea of letting go of a painting without feeling like a quitter 19:42 – Other ways you can utilize unfinished paintings 23:58 – How to know when it’s time to let go of a piece of incomplete artwork 28:47 – What trusting in your creative process and the potential of unfinished paintings offer you Mentioned in Finding Joy and Creative Possibility in Unfinished Work Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
The Slow Art Revolution — Because Instant Results Are a Scam 21:53

10 weeks ago21:53

21:53

Art is inherently slow. It demands time, thought, and presence, so embracing that slowness is essential for creating meaningful work and maintaining your artistic well-being. Yet, many artists feel behind in their art journey because they’re not producing fast enough. In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast , I’ll challenge the idea that faster is better in the art world. You’ll discover how hustle culture distorts our perception of the artistic process and get a refreshing perspective that’ll help you reclaim the joy and depth of art-making in a fast-paced world. 3:57 – The mindset that clashes with the time-sensitive nature of art creation 7:51 – How social media puts pressure on artists to create faster 10:54 – The drawbacks of chasing quick results with your art 14:52 – The perks of embracing a slower approach with your art 17:53 – Four quick steps to reclaim time, space, and creative joy in your art practice Mentioned in The Slow Art Revolution — Because Instant Results Are a Scam Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
How to Make Art When You Don’t Feel Like an Artist 27:49

11 weeks ago27:49

27:49

Does staring at a blank canvas sometimes cause you to question your abilities? Many artists (even those you admire) struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and the current chaotic world only amplifies those feelings. But what if the only thing holding you back is the mere thought that you aren’t an artist? In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast , we’ll dismantle the myth of the "real" artist and explore why waiting to embody this ideal is a waste of time. You’ll discover how imposter syndrome can signal that you're in the wrong environment (not the wrong career), how external stress fuels self-doubt, and how to regain control of your thoughts and stop looking for permission to be the artist you truly want to be. 3:15 – Challenge your inner critic who thinks you're not a real artist 10:33 – Re-define for yourself what it means to be an artist 14:00 – The importance of identifying who you want (and don’t want) to support you 17:54 – The power of choosing to embrace imperfection and uncertainty 22:38 – Questions to ask when in self-doubt about your status as an artist Mentioned in How to Make Art When You Don’t Feel Like an Artist The Work of Byron Katie Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Why Your Art Is Exactly What We Need Right Now 24:39

12 weeks ago24:39

24:39

Why does your art matter when the world feels heavy, uncertain, or even chaotic? If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Who am I to create right now?”—you’re not alone. But that might be the wrong question. In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast , we’re talking about what it means to make art during difficult times. If you’re an artist feeling disconnected, stuck, or unsure whether your work even matters right now, this conversation is for you. We’ll look at why creative burnout is so common in overwhelming seasons, how to reconnect with your practice when it feels impossible to show up, and why your art is not just valid but vital . You’ll learn how to calm your nervous system, process tough emotions without pushing them down, and use your studio as a place of resistance, healing, and humanity. Because making art isn’t frivolous, it’s how we stay connected. It’s how we resist isolation. And it’s precisely what the world needs more of. 3:31 – The importance of acknowledging your emotions without letting them take over 7:14 – The better question to ask, and why now is exactly the right time to make your art 15:16 – How to work with your emotions instead of pushing them down 19:34 – Why it feels like your art doesn’t matter (and the most powerful way to push back against that) Mentioned in Why Your Art Is Exactly What We Need Right Now The Marginalian Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead) 26:09

13 weeks ago26:09

26:09

How often have you heard phrases like, “Go big or go home,” or “Just put yourself out there”? Society loves to advocate for taking big risks. Yet too many end up freezing or avoiding risk-taking entirely when the leap they’re being asked to make feels too big for them. Thankfully, there’s a middle ground between taking a big risk and taking no risks at all. In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast , I’ll show you the power of taking small, controlled risks to build your confidence and gradually increase your risk tolerance. You’ll see why big leaps often backfire and halt your progress, and discover how to expand your risk-taking comfort zone without overwhelming yourself. 2:59 – The nervous system’s role in your risk-taking confidence and the advantage in taking small risks 8:41 – How approaching risk-taking like a ladder or video game expands your confidence 15:23 – Signs that you’re taking too big a risk and techniques to regulate your nervous system when things feel too scary 17:41 – How to know when it’s time to level up your risk-taking and expand your tolerance 22:23 – Biggest takeaways, your challenge for the week, and a final message Mentioned in Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead) Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work” Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of Progress 27:54

14 weeks ago27:54

27:54

When things don’t go your way in your art practice, what do you do? Like many artists, you might beat yourself up with lots of self-criticism and judgment. You’d be better off creating the habit of having your own back instead. That way, you’ll actually speed up your progress and not look back a year from now with regret that you’re still stuck in the same place. In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast , I’ll reveal exactly what having your own back looks like, why it’s a crucial skill you must learn, and how not doing so can hold you back for years. I’ll also discuss the impact of creating this habit on you as an artist and how compassionate support (from yourself and/or others) helps evolve your art practice. 2:53 – Why self-criticism doesn’t make you a better artist 8:04 - How getting rejected isn’t really about your work 10:29 – What having your own back means and why it’s a crucial skill to develop 14:52 – How creating the habit of having your own back impacts your art practice 17:02 – Explicit and implicit messages you’ve received that encourage self-criticism 20:16 – Why compassion and empathy in the face of rejection help you evolve 24:46 – Why feeling ready to show your work isn’t likely or necessary Mentioned in Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of Progress Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work” Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Why Mental Rehearsal Is a Powerful Tool for Artists 24:07

15 weeks ago24:07

24:07

Your brain automatically runs scripts on repeat. But are those scripts helping you or playing like mini horror movies in your head? With the right mental rehearsal approach, you can create scenarios that help turn around any unsatisfactory results of your art practice. In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast , we’re going to get into what mental rehearsal is and why it’s one of the most powerful, yet underutilized tools for artists. You’ll discover how you’re always mentally practicing something repeatedly, how your current results are proof, and what happens when you change what you’re rehearsing in your brain. 2:24 – What mental rehearsal is and some ways you’re probably using it wrong 7:05 - Why the brain makes mental rehearsal so effectively powerful (with a client example) 12:42 – The effect mental rehearsing might be having on your art practice right now 14:33 – Another example of what can happen when you switch your mental rehearsal 17:19 – The difference between artists who succeed and those who stay stuck Mentioned in Why Mental Rehearsal Is a Powerful Tool for Artists Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Your Brain Is the Worst Art Critic (And What to Do About It) 22:50

16 weeks ago22:50

22:50

Is the problem really your art—or just how you’re looking at it? We’ve all been there. You step back from something you’ve just created, and your brain instantly goes, “Ugh, this is awful.” Maybe even, “What if people see this and think I have no idea what I’m doing?” That little voice in your head? It’s not just being dramatic, it’s actively sabotaging you. In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast , we’re digging into how your brain warps your perception of your own work, why that inner critic is so convincing, and, most importantly, how to quiet it so you can share your art with confidence. Because if you don’t believe in your work, how can you expect anyone else to? 1:58 – Negativity bias of the brain and how it affects your perspective 4:07 - One Growth Studio member’s journey from self-doubt to public recognition 6:52 – The cycle of doubt you experience with your work 10:46 – Three steps to override your brain and overcome self-doubt 16:48 – How to practice talking about your art to build confidence Mentioned in Your Brain Is the Worst Art Critic (And What to Do About It) Why Get Your Work Critiqued? Exploring Your Art Without Overthinking or Overwhelm Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work” Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
How to Talk About Your Art Without Feeling Awkward 29:52

17 weeks ago29:52

29:52

Do you ever feel anxious or freeze up when someone asks about your work? You want people to see and love your art, but talking about it can feel overwhelming. And if you struggle to talk about your art, you might miss opportunities to connect with potential buyers. In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast , we’re diving into why learning to talk about your art is so important. I’ll share how your words can shape the way collectors experience your work, what it really costs to stay silent, and why there’s no “wrong” way to talk about your art—even if it feels intimidating. 4:24 – Why your art won’t speak for itself and why you need to help it 10:26 – What happens when you stay silent instead of engaging with potential buyers 13:36 – How connection shapes a collector’s experience and influences their decision to buy 17:40 – How talking about your art builds confidence and conviction in your work 20:37 – The impact of clear communication when applying for shows, grants, and residencies 22:07 – The biggest fears artists have when discussing their work and why they don’t need to worry 27:06 – The key to feeling comfortable talking about your art and a quick challenge to help you practice Mentioned in How to Talk About Your Art Without Feeling Awkward Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
You’re the Hero of Your Own Art Story 29:22

18 weeks ago29:22

29:22

As a kid, did you wish you were like Cinderella and had a fairy godmother who could just wave her magic wand and president you with whatever you wished? Unfortunately, this idea of a fairy tale character coming to save the day is every bit as fantastical as the art police scenario talked about last week. Just as no one is coming to arrest you, no one is coming to save you, either. In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn how to be the hero of your own story instead and give yourself the best odds to succeed as an artist. I’ll share the scope of the responsibility you need to take on, provide insights and suggestions to help you get clear on and envision what you want inside and outside the studio, discuss the importance of focusing on what you can control instead of what you can’t (like social media algorithms), and more. 3:55 - How to stack the odds in your favor and give yourself the chance to create the practice you want 6:39 - How to envision your perfect day and the results you want to get in your art practice 11:28 - Better questions to ask yourself about what you want so you can create a fulfilling practice 13:50 - Why you often feel helpless as an artist and what happens when you don’t know what you want 16:06 - What you need to know about social media and the importance of focusing on what you can control 21:37 - Why you don’t need to know all the answers to start (but what is required of you right now) 26:21 - One final suggestion that can keep you moving forward Mentioned in You’re the Hero of Your Own Art Story Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
There Are No Art Police—So Why Are You Following Their Rules? 28:05

19 weeks ago28:05

28:05

Do you believe that if you think outside of the box and actually apply that thinking to your work that the art police will come to arrest you or take away your brushes? As absurd as that seems, refusing to follow your instincts as an artist because of your fear of negative nancy voices still has the same effect on you. You’re so worried about doing everything “by the book” that it causes you to question your decisions and your work, to the point where you stop yourself from doing it. So in this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, we’ll dismantle the myth that there’s a correct way to create, show, or sell your art and that some invisible authority is waiting to catch you in the act if you stray away from doing it “right.” I’ll also give you some truths, strategies, and tools to help you more easily embrace your creative inner voice and artistic instincts without fearing others’ negative beliefs or thoughts. 1:24 - The irony of being an artist living in a world with other human beings 4:06 - How fear of the art police can manifest, regardless of your education level 8:23 - Extremes that artists go back and forth between and its impact on them and their art 12:27 - The long history of creativity and the cognitive dissonance artists have about mistakes 16:33 - How to check in with your own voice when you hesitate to do artwork you feel called to do 18:42 - Ways to introduce playfulness and experimentation into your art and how your subconscious mind helps 21:14 - How tapping into your own creative voice protects and empowers you 23:04 - Tools to help you clear the mental chatter and reconnect you to your instincts Mentioned in There Are No Art Police—So Why Are You Following Their Rules? The Far Side Comic Strip by Gary Larson Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
How Small Wins Impact Your Art Practice with Leslie Rae Cannon 54:57

20 weeks ago54:57

54:57

Noticing the small wins you’ve gained can have a big impact on your practice as an artist. That insight was what I loved hearing about most in my conversation with Leslie Rae Cannon, an artist from Atlanta, Georgia and a member of Growth Studio. She graduated with an art degree from Presbyterian College, and now as an empty-nester has traded in carpools and play-dates for canvases and paint brushes. In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn how small wins have helped Leslie grow as an artist, from overcoming her fear of putting her work out there to becoming really selective about which gallery she allows to show her art. You’ll also hear about the importance of developing a supportive community and how that’s helped Leslie recognize her own progress. 1:34 - A sense of who Leslie is and what she’s discovered about herself as an artist 5:56 - The process Leslie goes through when working on or in between projects 8:56 - How Leslie felt inspired to create her hydrangea collection and allowed herself more freedom in painting them 15:25 - Leslie’s transition from being really excited about her work to wanting to show her work 19:37 - One way that people have been drawn to some of Leslie’s paintings and a recent decision that saved her from sitting in frustration 26:10 - How Leslie has evolved into the habit of consistently putting her toe in the water to get her work into a gallery 33:50 - The impact of Leslie’s belief in the law of attraction and manifestation on her success 39:17 - How Leslie has gotten into the practice of noticing her small wins 41:26 - How Leslie shifted from trying to get in front of as many people as possible to being able to pick and choose her shows 47:37 - What today’s Leslie would tell herself (or other artists) if this were three or four years ago Mentioned in How Small Wins Impact Your Art Practice with Leslie Rae Cannon Leslie Rae Cannon Art | Instagram Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Price Your Artwork Julep Gallery | Dunwoody Gallery Join Growth Studio Support the show…

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

1
Doubts Don’t Mean You Chose the Wrong Goal 29:50

21 weeks ago29:50