While it’s often said that personal experience is the best teacher, based on the idea that people have to go through certain things themselves to grow and develop, it’s just as true that one can also learn from the actions and outcomes of others. This concept is known as vicarious or observational learning, and it refers to instances where individuals observe someone else’s behavior, watch them perform tasks or engage in certain situations, and then reflect on the results they get in order to acquire knowledge and skills that they can apply to their own lives.
One of the best things about observational learning as opposed to experiential learning is that it can help you avoid making the same mistakes others have made before you and thus save yourself the time and effort of going through a trial-and-error process, as you already know the outcome. Vicarious learning can also serve as a shortcut, allowing you to absorb information and develop certain abilities faster than you would through direct experience, expediting the learning journey. Finally, by drawing wisdom from many different places, you get access to diverse viewpoints that your limited life circumstances might not allow you to explore, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
Let artists teach and inspire you
Now that we’ve made the case for observational learning, the only issue that remains to be settled is whom you should observe and use as a source of guidance and inspiration for your personal growth and development. When searching for tales of wisdom that can inspire you on your journey, we suggest looking towards the art world and artists’ lives in particular.
Great artists have some of the most interesting life stories out of all the people who have roamed the earth. If you’ve ever felt transported to a different time and place while exploring a museum or an online art gallery and you sensed a deep connection with the art pieces you admired is because artists have this uncanny ability to express ideas in an universal language and create unique experiences that go beyond the canvas and transcend cultural barriers. Well, their life stories can have a similar effect, and if you have the patience to discover them, you’ll be amazed at all the things you can learn from these remarkable individuals that may also help you achieve your own life goals.
Nothing happens unless you take action
Many people have this romanticized image of artists being driven by random bursts of inspiration, when the reality is far less glamorous than they imagine. Successful artists don’t wait for divine inspiration to descend upon them and push them to start working. They make a conscious effort to take action and practice their craft every day, even when they don’t feel like it. Although artists don’t adhere to a traditional 9-to-5 work schedule and enjoy greater flexibility in managing their time, this freedom doesn’t exempt them from the necessity of creating a work structure that can help them prioritize their tasks and stay organized.
Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso, two of the most famous and prolific painters in the world, often talked about the importance of consistent effort. Picasso was known for his extraordinary work ethic that implied working for extended periods of time and he credited his success to this action-centered approach. Judging by the vast body of work comprising over 50,000 pieces of art that he produced throughout his life, we can only agree that good productivity practices are the key to success.
Don’t let criticism stop you from achieving your goals
Many artists who are now celebrated and considered masters of their crafts faced a lot of criticism or were largely ignored during their lifetimes. Take Vincent Van Gogh as an example, who was often criticized for his unconventional painting style and only managed to sell one painting in his entire life. However, this didn’t stop him from pursuing his passion, and although he never got to reap the rewards of his work while he was alive, Van Gogh is now one of the most popular and recognized artists of all time, and his paintings are appreciated by art lovers from all over the world.
And Van Gogh’s case isn’t singular. Art history is filled with examples of artists who were initially met with disapproval and rejection from their peers and the public, only to achieve greatness afterwards. The moral here is to stay true to your path and have the courage to dream, no matter what others think or say.
Find strength in adversity
The stereotype of the tortured artist may be nothing more than a myth, but the reality remains that many artists have endured immense hardships in the form of poverty, mental health issues, great loss and so on. However, instead of being brought down by these challenges, many have used them as opportunities to grow, transforming bad experiences into sources of inspiration.
For instance, Frida Kahlo’s life story is a lesson in resilience and strength. She was diagnosed with polio as a child, was involved in a severe traffic accident that left her scarred for life, experienced several miscarriages, and struggled with major health issues, including gangrene that led to the amputation of her right leg. Although deeply affected by all the things she had to go through, Kahlo persevered and poured all her suffering into her art, teaching us all that great things can emerge from great pain.
Patience and consistency pay off
Michelangelo said that “genius is eternal patience”, seeking to emphasize that natural talent is often not enough to achieve one’s goals, and the path to greatness is paved with hard work, patience, and perseverance. Success doesn’t happen overnight but is the product of relentless effort and cultivating the ability to persist despite the challenges, setbacks, and the lack of immediate results. Since this is the mindset that led to the creation of the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, we can hardly argue with the validity of Michelangelo’s statement.
The art realm is filled with all sorts of amazing stories that can teach you a lot of things about the world and life in general. So, put those self-help books aside and read some artists’ biographies every now and then for good measure.