Blog Post #2 - Completion

Completion and resilience go hand in hand. Finishing projects builds confidence, self-efficacy, and perseverance, key traits of resilience. Art projects, in particular, strengthen these skills by requiring patience, adaptability, and problem-solving, all of which engage essential brain functions that support resilience. Completing an art project gives your brain a chemical boost, reinforcing motivation, emotional balance, and problem-solving abilities, making you better equipped to handle challenges in the future.

One of the main chemicals at play is dopamine, often called the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. When you complete something, especially a creative project, your brain releases dopamine, giving you a sense of accomplishment and encouraging you to take on new challenges.

At the same time, creating and completing an art project helps lower cortisol, the hormone linked to stress. That’s why making art can feel so calming, and why finishing a piece can bring relief and satisfaction. Lowering stress while boosting positive emotions strengthens emotional resilience, helping you navigate setbacks with greater patience and confidence.

Every time you work through an artistic challenge and see a project through to the end; you're training your brain to handle obstacles with a growth mindset, the belief that talents can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. The more you complete, the more your brain learns that perseverance leads to success, building confidence not just in art, but in anything you set your mind to!

Follow Debbie on Oakwood Art Studio’s Facebook page for “Finish it Friday,” where she’ll showcase projects that have been started and completed. Join in and share your own finished works!

Peter and Debbie Scott