If You Can’t Draw a Straight Line, Use a Ruler!

Throughout my career as an artist, I’ve heard a familiar refrain: “I can’t even draw a straight line.” It’s often said in jest, but there’s a deeper message hidden in that comment. My usual reply is, “That’s why they make rulers!” And while it gets a chuckle, it also opens the door to a valuable truth: life isn’t about doing everything perfectly on our own—it’s about finding the tools, strategies, and perspectives that help us succeed. As an artist, I’ve learned that even the most skilled need a straight edge from time to time. This metaphor is one I often share with audiences during my keynotes, inspiring them to see obstacles as opportunities and to lean into resourcefulness.

Adaptability Is Key to Success
Just like a ruler helps with precision, tools and resources can help us overcome our limitations. Whether it’s using technology, leaning on others’ expertise, or developing new skills, adapting to challenges makes us stronger. For example, when I started painting, I didn’t have formal training—just a 59-cent watercolor set. Over time, I learned techniques, found mentors, and used tools to refine my craft. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence and adaptation.

Perspective Changes Everything
When faced with a challenge, our first instinct might be to give up. Instead, we should ask ourselves: What can I use to approach this differently? A ruler in art is a simple tool, but in life, a ruler could be asking for advice, seeking inspiration, or breaking a problem into smaller steps. Often, the solution is closer than we think—it’s just waiting for us to shift our perspective. I’ve shared this idea with audiences, encouraging them to reframe challenges and discover new ways to move forward.

Collaboration and Creativity Go Hand in Hand
No masterpiece is created in isolation. Even as an artist, I lean on the expertise of framers, publishers, and other professionals to bring my work to life. In life, as in art, we all need rulers—people, ideas, and systems that help us go further than we could on our own. Great achievements often come from teamwork and creativity, not solitary effort. I often challenge my audiences to identify the "rulers" in their own lives—those people or tools that help them achieve their goals—and to embrace collaboration as a strength.

The next time you feel like giving up because you “can’t draw a straight line,” remember that the answer might be as simple as finding your ruler. Life is about using the tools and opportunities around you to bring your vision to life, one steady line at a time. Whether in art, work, or relationships, the secret isn’t in perfection—it’s in persistence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to see challenges as stepping stones. After all, even the greatest artists don’t draw every line freehand—they know when to reach for a ruler. It’s a lesson I share on stage, inspiring audiences to look beyond limitations and embrace the tools that lead to their own masterpiece.

The Joys of Patience: A Morning to Remember

Life often teaches its most profound lessons in the most unexpected places. Yesterday, after an exciting day at the inspiring gift market, I found myself seated at a beautifully set breakfast table, savoring the quiet of the morning. My associate Joy and I had plans for a full day of meetings, armed with our vendor lists and ideas to explore. But just as the day began, a lively young family—parents in their thirties and three energetic children—was seated right next to us. Hannah 8, Abby 6, and Will 3 immediately filled the space with youthful enthusiasm, and for a moment, I was tempted to find a quieter spot. Yet, something stopped me. I chose to lean into the moment instead of retreating, and in doing so, I rediscovered timeless lessons that I share in my keynote programs about patience, perspective, and connection.

What could have been a distraction turned into a refreshing reminder of my own days as a young parent. The parents’ apology for the “chaos” was unnecessary; instead, I thanked them for the joy they brought to the morning. By the end of breakfast, I realized I had gained more from this chance encounter than I ever could have expected.

Patience is a Choice, and It Yields Rewards
Patience doesn’t just allow us to endure moments that test us—it allows us to grow through them. Choosing patience with this family reminded me of the beauty in life’s interruptions, a theme I often highlight in my keynote programs.

Perspective Enriches Connection
Reflecting on our past helps us engage meaningfully with others in the present. Remembering my children’s early years allowed me to empathize with this family, and that connection transformed the encounter into a meaningful experience. In my keynote programs, I emphasize how perspective creates bonds that inspire trust and understanding.

Engagement Builds Bridges
By choosing to engage with the family instead of seeking solitude, I experienced the joy of genuine connection. Engagement, no matter how small, creates opportunities for learning and growth—principles I love to share with my audiences during talks about leadership and making a difference.

That morning at the breakfast table could have been just another routine start to a busy day. Instead, it became a meaningful encounter that left me inspired and grateful. Life often presents us with small, unexpected moments that are rich with lessons, if only we pause to embrace them. Whether it’s over coffee, during a stoplight, or in a crowded room, these moments remind us to slow down, connect, and find joy in the present.

In my keynote programs, I invite audiences to reflect on these same principles—patience, perspective, and connection—and to use them as tools for growth, both personally and professionally. Next time life surprises you, lean into the moment. You may find yourself walking away with more than you expected.

Too Smart for Our Own Good: What Happened to Common Sense?

Remember the good old days when "common sense" seemed like an innate skill? Whether it was knowing not to touch a hot stove or realizing you shouldn’t squeeze into a parking spot clearly marked for compact cars when you’re driving a truck—it just seemed obvious. Yet, in today’s world, it feels like we’ve traded intuition for complication. From overthinking the smallest decisions to competing with the highlight reels of social media, we’ve managed to make life unnecessarily complex. Maybe it’s time we revisit the basics and laugh a little at how far we’ve strayed from our good old-fashioned instincts.

Stop Overthinking Everything
Why is it that a simple decision like what to have for dinner can turn into an hour-long debate? Sometimes, we’re paralyzed by options, weighed down by the fear of choosing wrong. But common sense tells us this: hunger trumps indecision, so just pick something and eat! Overthinking drains energy and often leaves us more stressed than before. Trust your gut—sometimes it’s smarter than all the “pro-con” lists in the world.

The Social Media Trap
Social media has taken "keeping up with the Joneses to a whole new level. We compare our behind-the-scenes struggles with everyone else’s highlight reels and wonder why our lives seem messier. Common sense whispers: what you see online isn’t the whole picture. Let’s stop competing with filters and start focusing on our own authentic, imperfect, and beautiful lives.

Rediscover the Joy of Simplicity
Do you remember how satisfying it was to solve problems with a little creativity? Whether it was fixing a wobbly table with a folded napkin or turning leftovers into a meal, there’s beauty in simple solutions. Life doesn’t always require a manual or a YouTube tutorial. Often, common sense and resourcefulness are the most reliable tools at your disposal.

In a world of algorithms, influencers, and constant noise, maybe what we really need is to embrace the timeless wisdom of common sense. It’s not about being perfect or always having the right answers—it’s about trusting yourself, laughing at your missteps, and finding joy in simplicity. So the next time life feels overly complicated, take a breath, step back, and ask yourself: what’s the simplest thing I can do right now? Chances are, that’s where your common sense is hiding, ready to save the day.

From Blank Canvas to Masterpiece: How to Take Action and Transform Your Year

As a professional artist, I’ve stared at countless blank canvases, each one brimming with potential but also silently daring me to take the first stroke. A blank canvas is like the start of a new year—it’s full of promise, but it requires action to bring its possibilities to life. Whether I’m creating a painting or sharing insights during a keynote on The ART of Making a Difference, the lesson is the same: success begins when you move beyond hesitation and take that first step. If procrastination has you stuck, here are three strategies to help you turn the blank canvas of your year into a masterpiece.

Begin with a Brushstroke
When faced with a blank canvas, the hardest part is often making the first mark. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to happen. The same applies to life’s goals. Start with one simple action, no matter how small. Just like a single brushstroke sets the stage for a painting, a small step can create momentum that propels you forward.

Transform "Someday" into "Today"
In art, an unfinished canvas remains a whisper of what could have been. Likewise, goals tied to “someday” often stay unrealized. Replace the comfort of "someday" with the urgency of "today." When I speak to audiences about The ART of Making a Difference, I emphasize the power of now. Great change, like great art, happens because someone decided today was the day to begin.

Envision the Finished Masterpiece
Procrastination thrives when we focus on the struggle instead of the reward. When painting, I don’t dwell on the blank canvas; I visualize the finished piece—the colors, the emotions, the story it will tell. The same approach applies to your goals. Focus on the satisfaction and impact of completing the task. Let that vision inspire you to push through the discomfort and take action.

A blank canvas, much like a new year, offers limitless potential—but it’s meaningless without action. Whether it’s creating a work of art, achieving a personal goal, or making a difference in your community, progress starts with the courage to begin. Decide that today is the day you take that first stroke, no matter how imperfect. With each step, you’ll transform hesitation into momentum, turning the blank canvas of 2025 into a masterpiece of purpose and progress.

Let this year be the one where you create boldly, act purposefully, and inspire others through your example. Just as every painting begins with a single stroke, every success begins with a single action. What will you create this year?

Persistence - The Unstoppable Force

Grit - Determination - Tenacity - however you describe it is persistence that becomes the driving force behind success.   It is the unwavering determination to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges and setbacks, that separates those who reach their dreams from those who fall short.

• History is filled with stories of individuals who achieved great things because they refused to be deterred by failure or obstacles. From Thomas Edison's countless attempts before inventing the light bulb to J.K. Rowling's rejection letters before publishing Harry Potter, these examples remind us of the transformative power of persistence.

• When we embrace persistence, we tap into a reservoir of inner strength and resilience that propels us towards our goals. It is the fuel that drives us to keep going, to keep trying, and to keep believing in ourselves, even when others may doubt us.

• By cultivating a mindset of persistence, we can overcome challenges, break through barriers, and ultimately make a lasting impact on the world around us. Remember, success is not always about being the most talented or the smartest - it's about being the most persistent.

"Persistence is the cornerstone of greatness, shaping ordinary moments into extraordinary achievements and reminding us that every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the journey of success."