Joanna Said...
MAC, Week 4, BP2: Reading the Art of Possibility
24 05 2011
Photo by Richard B. (MorgueFile)
My husband is an amazingly talented artist in many realms. He paints, draws, sings professionally, writes his own music, and gives seminars. He’s also his own boss. I’m an artist of a different sort. I write, play two instruments, act, and love to make my physical environment an inspirational place to be. We’ve been “self-employed” for years, and we’ve also been “self-UNemployed” many of times. Because we often have to pursue opportunities for income, it’s easy to feel frustrated and loose passion about the big vision. Or sometimes it’s easy to get so caught up in the big vision that we can’t see the next step. My husband has encountered endless obstacles in his musical career, and during the past two years, we have butted heads many times over what his long-term goals should be. My biggest desire for him is for him to be able to use his talents and abilities in their maximum expression. Obviously, he wants this, too. The question is how to get from here to there. In my opinion, the discussion and conflict that has revolved around this topic has been very healthy for both of us (even when it’s been hard). We’re still working through the details on some life-changing decisions, so I was extremely inspired when I read this remarkable quote in Chapter 11: Creating Frameworks for Possibility: “The foremost challenge for leaders today…is to maintain the clarity to stand confidently…no matter how fierce the competition, no matter how stark the necessity to go for the short-term goal, no matter how fearful people are, and no matter how urgently the wolf may appear to howl at the door. It is to have the courage and persistence to distinguish the downward spiral from the radiant realm of possibility in the face of any challenge.” (Zander, p. 163)
Meghan Bassett said...
I absolutely love that last quote. It’s so powerful, every time I read it I pull out a different part that hits me. I am impressed and inspired by your writing. As scary as it seems to be part of your life, dealing with the uncertain and rolling with the punches, and building on what you have accomplished without fear of being stopped…just wow.
I took the other road. I’ve always wanted to be an artist, but was too frightened to fail to try my hand at it. My family always said, have a back up plan. So I figured I’d be an art teacher, and become an artist in the process. I hope to get my own business started soon, and I am honestly inspired by you. I’m also inspired by how strong your relationship must be! :)
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