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.