James Baldwin

"One can give nothing whatever without giving oneself — that is to say, risking oneself.  If one cannot risk oneself then one is simply incapable of giving."

— James Baldwin

American Novelist

1924 - 1987

All art is risk.  As creative leaders we risk being vulnerable to criticism and ridicule.  We risk doubt and failure.  We risk being misunderstood.  Yet, there is no creation without risk.  There is no art without giving of oneself.



Taking a risk requires that we step out of our comfort zone and try something new.  Taking risk helps us to grow and progress as artists.  Taking a risk means that we might fail.  Taking a risk requires courage.



What risks are you not taking because you are afraid?  What risks do you want to take but you don't have the courage?  If you knew that you would die in a year, what risks would you take today?  What truth have you not told because you are afraid of what others might say?

James Baldwin

"I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain."

— James Baldwin

American Novelist

1924 - 1987

Think about the people in your life who you don't like, who irritate you and who you may even hate.  Often when someone hurts us, our response is anger and prolonged anger can turn into hate.  If we learn to appreciate and accept the pain for what it teaches us, we can move beyond anger and hate.  If we can harness the pain, we can funnel it into our creative process.  Pain is important to our success and can help us become better people and more creative leaders.  Pain is a powerful teacher if we take the time to learn the lessons it has to teach.