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My favorite artist at the height of the Renaissance is Michelangelo. I like him for two reasons. Firstly, I like his vitality of life. From the start of his career as a stone craftsman at 16 to his passing away at age of 89, he never ceased to challenge himself.

A miraculous piece of marble was found in Florence 30 years before Michelangelo was born. Many sculptors dared not to work on this perfect raw material, fearing that they would not be able to create something worthy of its preciousness. At age of 25, Michelangelo was called upon to work on this marble for a statue that would represent Florence. He stared at the marble for what seemed like eternity and said, “I saw the David inside. Now I just have to carved until I set him free.”

Few years later, Pope Julius II patronized Michelangelo that he was nothing more than a sculptor and that he could never paint like an artist. Michelangelo was so furious that he took on a mega project. He spent the next four years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and accomplished yet another masterpiece, the Genesis. Michelangelo’s vitality of life was vibrant, satiated and constantly seeking ways to go beyond his limit.

The second reason is that I like Michelangelo’s work of art, David. David was a biblical character. He was a young prince who bravely faced the Giant challenger Goliath when none of his elder brothers would. He defeated Goliath by throwing the stone with a sling, of which he played so well everyday. The courage, the confidence, and the belief that he could win even with just a tiny stone, aren’t those the qualities that we all desire?

As a leader, educator, and parents, we aim to grow the “dare to challenge” spirit in our people. We need to design and find ways to stimulate them, boost their adrenaline so that they can face the challenge anytime anywhere. We also need to give them tiny stones. Perhaps, not just one but many stones, which could be anything from Communication skill, negotiation skills, Influence power, leadership, collaboration, to even passion for life. We don’t just give it to them, but also to stand by them and play with them until they master them well. So that ultimately, they have many many tiny stones to face the many many Goliaths in their lives.

The vitality of life is derived from relentlessly challenging ourselves, exceeding ourselves, and daring to challenge ourselves. Like Michelangelo, like David and his little stone.

Wishing you all a merry Xmas. I look forward to creating another exciting, fruitful year with you in 2016.

Warm Regards,

Rachel Kot

CEO, Ascent Vision International

www.ascent-vision.com