Prolific Productivity: The Secret Habits of Pablo Picasso

The ability to see the big picture and execute small improvements is one of the greatest strengths of the human mind.

This combination of abstract thinking, effective observation and execution are what makes some people so successful.

Pablo Picasso was a prolific artist. He was a renowned 20th-century painter who is often called the “genius” of his time because of his unique ability to transform raw artistic materials into beautiful and original works. To say that he left an impact on the world would be a massive understatement.

Picasso is known for his progressive masterpieces that captured the human form with powerful lines and perspectives. However, what many people don’t realize is that he was also a brilliant mind who developed a new way of thinking about progress.

In his words and actions, Picasso demonstrated how making progress is possible without losing your connection to nature or your sense of artistic value.

While we will never have his level of creativity or success in our field (or any other), we can learn from how he made progress almost every day.

Creativity isn’t a rare quality, but it isn’t easy to sustain. Creative people do not just have an abundance of ideas or access to a well-stocked art book collection. That’s why many people struggle to make their creative ideas a part of their working lives.

Pablo Picasso was born in Spain and spent most of his life there. He was also a French citizen. Picasso is known for his famous paintings, including “Guernica” and “Blue Period.”

His most famous work, however, may be “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” This painting depicts three women with very different body types. The painting has been seen as a symbol of the diversity and freedom of modern art. It is also considered to be one of Picasso’s most important works.

Picasso did not have an easy life. He had many health problems and struggled financially throughout his life. Despite these hardships, he persisted and continued to create great art.

Action is exponential

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” — Pablo Picasso

Successful creators have habits and systems that help them get their craft done at the right time, consistently, and efficiently.

Pablo Picasso is famous for his work in a variety of different mediums. He is best known for his painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking.

As an artist, Picasso was prolific both in terms of the quantity and quality of his output. He created hundreds of paintings in his lifetime and thousands of drawings and prints. He is one of the most productive artists of all time.

Here’s a fun fact about Picasso that still blows my mind: “In all his life Picasso produced about 147,800 pieces, consisting of 13,500 paintings, 100,000 prints and engravings, 300 sculptures and ceramics and 34,000 illustrations — an impressive 78-year career.”

Picasso was particularly obsessed with his craft. His productivity can be attributed to a few simple things, but they all come down to his long work sessions. Pablo started working at four and didn’t stop until he died in 1973. He was a notoriously productive artist. While it may seem off the wall, staying consistent with your routine can help you stay productive throughout the day.

Picasso was a night owl. He rarely slept and often worked for up to 14 hours a day. While working, Picasso often worked for long hours straight until he was physically exhausted.

He worked deep into the earlier hours of the morning. He often painted from 5:00 pm until 4:00 am and then again from 6:00 am until sunset, with only one hour for lunch. He would often take long walks through the streets of Paris to clear his mind before beginning a new project. “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone,” Picasso once said.

Start with the end in mind

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” — Picasso

Picasso’s work habits were highly specific and routine-based. He worked in a dedicated studio off of his home, which he shared with frequent collaborator Georges Braque. The two would complete many of their most iconic paintings together at the studio, which they called La Boetie (The Little Shep). The space served as both workspace and home.

When he wasn’t actively creating or sketching ideas, he would hang paintings from their walls so that they could be viewed together to inspire each other and keep them company while they rested. Picasso admitted that he could not have created so much art without this kind of routine stimulation.

To get himself into painting mode before leaving the house in the morning, Picasso often drank red wine until late into the night. Once fully awake, he’d spend some time playing music on his piano or reading books with interesting images that might inspire him later on when inspiration lagged.

Picasso was prolific because he practiced good productivity habits. He showed up early, stayed focused, and took breaks when necessary. These habits helped him stay productive and avoid distractions throughout the day.

One of the best ways to increase your productivity is to start your day with a clear purpose. Decide what to do the night before and spend your prime time on your best work without distractions in the morning.

Picasso’s work habits were heavily influenced by his deep-seated need to produce art constantly. “Painting is just another way of keeping a diary,” says Picasso. What’s your true north? Always start with a meaningful end in mind. And let that guide your every action.

This article originally appeared in Medium.