📝 Goldilocks Challenge

On customizing assignments

If you pick a challenge that is too easy you will get bored.

If you pick a challenge that is too difficult you will get discouraged.

The right size challenge is always, slightly more challenging than your current ability. You want to give yourself a bit of challenge, but you also want to set yourself up for a win! Recognize your current ability level and challenge yourself appropriately.

Whether you’re a student or a professional, this advice can be applied to every piece of work you do!

When you get the assignment or client brief, before you get cracking, re-write the brief for yourself.

Note the areas you want to challenge yourself in and define the challenge.

Some examples:

• Use more interesting shapes and techniques

• Incorporate the use of a new tool

• try a challenging perspective

Note the areas where you want to play at your current ability:

Some examples:

• Draw simple characters in a doodle or stickman style

• Use the tools you’re most comfortable with

• Use flat perspective

The wins you get from customizing the challenge to your current ability is steady progress over time with minimal wasted effort. Wasted effort adds up over time and the accompanying frustration creates a downward spiral. Small wins enlarge capacity and produces motivation.