The first step toward becoming extraordinary is, of course, to stop being ordinary.

Initiating is really and truly difficult, and that's what leaders do. They see something others are ignoring and they jump on it.

When you set down the path to create art, whatever sort of art it is, understand that the path is neither short not easy. That means you must determine if the route is worth the effort. If it's not, dream bigger.

The Cul-de-Sac ( French for "dead end" ) ... is a situation where you work and work and work and nothing much changes

It takes confidence and guts to intentionally create tension.

In nearly every case, trying to lead everyone results in leading no one in particular.

Just saying yes because you can't bear the short-term pain of saying no is not going to help you do the work.