“I take inspiration from everyone and everything. I’m inspired by current champions, former champions, true competitors, people dedicated to their dream, hard workers, dreamers, believers, achievers.”~ Connor McGregor

You may have noticed a number of these accelerators take examples or quotes from authors, poets, or other artists. Their inclusion has been intentional. Artists, in any medium, are the personification of creativity within our society. While you may not view a creative business solution in the same category as Starry Night, you are drawing from the same well of creativity Vincent van Gogh pitched in his bucket. Do not discount the artistry of business. What Van Gogh did with paint and canvas, you do with vision, business acumen, and a sense of mission.

 An artist seeks to express and inspire. A business leader seeks to do the same. Your expression is either the product, service, or innovation that holds your passion or it’s the customers for whom you have passion. To translate that unique expression, you must inspire a team to work in concert for a common goal. An artist has an eye for proportion and scope for their works. A business leader must define their venture by the same parameters. Daily, you are a symphony conductor, painter, sculptor, and writer as you create your business narrative. 

I have a number of statuettes, symbols, and tchotchkes strategically placed around my office. If you were to visit, you’d likely see them as just décor. Each of them has a specific meaning, for they serve as reminders of the key points that are critical to my success. In most instances, they are reminders of important lessons learned in my life that point the way to a better future.

Consider this …

1. Find one or two pieces of art, statuettes, or symbols that inspire you and keep it close to your work area. It may be a song, a painting used as your desktop’s background, a quotation written on a sticky note—the medium doesn’t matter as long as the meaning, artistry, and inspiration are at hand.

2. Take some time to “craft the story” around that important symbol that gives it significant meaning.

3. When you doubt yourself or feel the tedium of paperwork dragging you down, look to your creative touchstone and remind yourself of its meaning. Remember—you are just as much the artist as the person who craft ed this important piece..

For more, check out The Top Performer’s Field Guide, The Innovator’s Field Guide, or visit www.JeffStandridge.com.

(Originally published in The Innovator’s Field Guide)