Learning Moments

How a Tiny Booklet Transforms My Creative Practice

I have a little booklet for my daily drawing practice, and because of this tiny booklet, I draw every day. When I mention this habit, people often react with curiosity, sometimes even astonishment: “Every day? I couldn’t manage that.”

I realized that my booklet is another kind of structure that liberates me—just like the Liberating Structures I use in my facilitation work. Those who follow my blog know I’m passionate about these methods. I use them for group work and personal reflection because they’re engaging, efficient, and energizing.

Liberating Structures: Simple yet powerful methods for creating collaborative, engaging, and meaningful meetings.

Just as Liberating Structures transform group interactions, my booklet provides just enough structure to keep me engaged without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

How does my little booklet work as a structure?

A Place to Go

It sits on my table, always within reach, inviting me to pick up a pen and add another stroke. It’s portable and flexible—I take it everywhere I go, even when I travel. No excuses.

Drawing An Ongoing Story

When I open it, drawings from the previous days invite me to continue. That is inspiring. Sometimes I follow the “story”, creating series of pencil portraits, acrylic abstracts, or watercolour explorations; other times, I draw something completely different.

Starting a new booklet is the hardest part—those virgin blank pages can be intimidating, holding me back. Finishing one always brings a touch of sadness, like saying goodbye to a trusted companion. I’m happy with my booklet—it’s my partner in crime, always inviting me to practice.

An invitation to Practice

My practice booklet is—well—just a booklet. Not a canvas for the wall, not a big project to stress over. Just for me. No pressure, no expectations. Only daily practice. Keep the habit to simply show up, to try, to experiment, and to play. It’s a bit of a laboratory of creativity where I can discover, learn, and surprise myself.

You get what you repeat.
James Clear (in Atomic Habits)

Creative Sparks

My booklet gives me structure—its constraints make me feel safe. It’s small and limited in size, yet within it, I have endless space to create. Every day again and again.

These constraints paradoxically set me free. The simple rule—one small drawing each day—keeps creativity flowing. flowing. The booklet is my trick to show up, experiment, and discover what emerges, liberating me from overthinking, doubt, and fear.

What structures help you stay creative and engaged? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 💬🖋️

---

The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

• I invite you to join the upcoming Unhurried Conversation, sign up here for free.
• For Street Wisdom walks and more Learning Moments, subscribe to my newsletter below for timely updates to your inbox.
• More related stories: Look. You’ll Notice More. Colour Pots, Courage, and Community.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.