Michelangelo’s Florence Pietà is one of history’s greatest sculptures—and one he nearly destroyed. His story reveals how fear, perfectionism, and self-criticism can stop us from finishing or sharing our own creative work. What if your hidden project could change someone’s life?

A single misprint turned a 24-cent stamp into a million-dollar collector’s item. The story of the Inverted Jenny shows how rarity, imperfection, history, and the right audience can turn creative work into something truly valuable.

Twenty years after first picking up a guitar, I’ve learned that music — like life — is never finished. From failed F chords to finding joy in collaboration, every note teaches patience, humility, and growth. Here are twenty lessons I’ve learned from two decades of playing, performing, and creating music.

Authenticity in creativity starts with honesty. When we chase trends or approval, we lose the heart of our work. Woody Guthrie said it best: “All you can write is what you see.” Whether you’re writing, creating, or simply showing up in life, the goal is the same — to see clearly and express truthfully.

Inspiration isn’t a lightning strike — it’s a spark that must be protected. Just like steel gains strength through a durable coating, our ideas need protection through discipline. By practicing immediate capture and revisiting creative sparks often, we make our inspiration strong enough to last through frustration, failure, and time.

In The Little Prince, we see how our relationship with our gifts can either be self-serving or life-giving. When we tend to our talents like the Prince cared for his flower, we help them grow — not for our own gain, but to bring beauty and meaning to others. By learning, growing, and courageously sharing our work, we make ourselves useful to the world.

We often hide our work from the world to avoid criticism, but in doing so, we also hide its potential to connect and inspire. Like Frodo’s struggle with the Ring, we cling to the comfort of invisibility. True growth, however, begins when we release our work — and ourselves — into the light, where vulnerability can lead to transformation.

In the early stages of learning any craft, we often overdo it—too much color, sound, or style. But true artistic maturity comes from knowing what to leave out. Discover how practicing restraint and mindfulness in your art can sharpen your message and deepen your creative growth.

Big dreams are built one small step at a time. Whether it’s writing a book, recording an album, or changing your habits, daily consistency creates lasting impact. Learn how persistence—like the man who built a castle by hand—can transform your goals into reality.

After a year of writing in secret, structuring time, and building accountability, Unfinished: A Guide to Dream, Complete and Repeat Your Life’s Work was born. Learn the simple, practical tools that helped turn creative ideas into a finished project—and how you can use them to complete your own goals.

Reclaim your creativity and overcome life’s busyness with Unfinished. This book provides practical tools to help dreamers and creatives complete their projects, build routines, and say “Done, what’s next?”

Explore how cynicism can build walls between us and the world—impacting relationships, personal growth, and career opportunities. Learn strategies to break down these barriers and embrace new experiences for emotional and creative growth.

Discover how Todd Henry balanced a full-time career, family, and side projects while building a successful creative brand. Learn his strategies for carving out space, managing time, and knowing when to pursue your passions.

Discover why long hours don’t always equal productivity. Learn how intentional, meaningful work—facing tough conversations, personal growth projects, and overcoming fear—supports mental well-being and true effectiveness.

Discover how visual artist Ruth Oosterman balances motherhood, creativity, and daily life. Learn how intentional self-expression supports mental well-being.