“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist”. Pablo Picasso

I love this quote because it serves as a powerful reminder of this truth: to do something extraordinary, you must labour in the ordinary.

A big, shiny win is often celebrated far and wide. Yet, the trophies and accolades are merely the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, where few can see, lies the true story—countless failures, months spent cultivating relationships, and the endless honing of skills. The long, often unseen process of preparing for success receives much less attention, yet it is the most important part.

In sports, it’s most evident in the athlete who mesmerizes the crowd with seemingly impossible movements—movements that are actually a series of fundamental skills executed flawlessly through years of practice and muscle memory.

In relationship management, it’s the trust built over months or even years by consistently doing right by your stakeholders. That trust becomes the foundation for confidently navigating challenges between parties. What may look like a magic solution in a moment of crisis is often the result of a long investment in building a supportive network.

In sales or fundraising, it’s the persistence of knocking on a hundred doors or submitting a dozen grant applications. When a big account is signed or a grant is awarded, the victory is celebrated. But the true hero is the disciplined approach that made it possible.

At the meeting pitch, it's the discussions to hone the message, the gathering of relevant data, role-playing Q and A, and the many repetitions of delivering talking points.

This quote, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist”, resonates deeply because it highlights the importance of celebrating the process, not just the result. It reminds us to invest time, care, and passion into mastering the fundamentals—so that when the moment comes, we have the skills, knowledge, and relationships to dazzle the crowd and deliver exceptional results.

Another great similar quote:

"Successful people recognize that spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation."

John C Maxwell, Success is a Choice