The Pause Before the First Stroke: Awareness, Resourcefulness, and Timing in Leadership

The Pause Before the First Stroke: Awareness, Resourcefulness, and Timing in Leadership

Norman Rockwell once captured this moment brilliantly in a 1938 cover for The Saturday Evening Post. The painting shows an artist staring at a blank canvas, head tilted, scratching his scalp, surrounded by sketches, paints, and the clutter of creative effort. It’s that familiar pause we all face before we begin something meaningful.

That image has always stayed with me because it reminds us of the importance of awareness — to stop, to take in the possibilities, and to be deliberate before making the first mark. As Rockwell seemed to know, what happens in that pause often determines the entire direction of the work.

Three Takeaways (The A.R.T. of Making a Difference):

• Awareness – Step back, see the whole picture, and recognize the hidden strengths within your team.

• Resourcefulness – Leverage what you already have, creatively, before wishing for what you don’t.

• Timing – Know when to act boldly and when to wait for the right moment.

As I often remind myself: Successful people know what matters, and they don’t waste time worrying about what doesn’t matter. Awareness, resourcefulness, and timing are the disciplines that help us keep our focus where it belongs.

When leaders embrace these three principles, they don’t just inspire their teams — they unlock resilience, creativity, and lasting impact.

If you’re looking for content to share with your team, feel free to use these three reminders in your next staff meeting or newsletter. And if you’d like me to bring the full message to life for your organization, I’d be honored to share The A.R.T. of Making a Difference keynote with your team.