The Michelangelo Method for Creating Great Work

When most people think of Michelangelo, they think of the prolific, amazingly talented Renaissance artist who sculpted David and painted the Sistine Chapel Ceiling.

But did you know that Michelangelo did not want to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling? He didn’t feel qualified.Even though he could paint, he saw himself as a sculptor, not a painter. His friend and Italian architect, Bramante, shared that “Michelangelo said over and over that he didn’t want to paint the Chapel.”

Even Bramante doubted Michelangelo’s ability to paint realistic, foreshortened figures on the ceiling.*

Sound familiar?

Over the past month a common theme has emerged with many service providers I know. Despite their education, experience and depth of wisdom, they don’t always feel qualified to do the work they are called to do. In their mind, there are other people more qualified and better suited to serve.

Sadly, this feeling often turns into the daunting question, “Who am I to do this work?”

But the same was true during the Renaissance when Michelangelo lived. Raphael, Botticelli and da Vinci were the painters of their time, well known and loved for their work, and probably more qualified than Michelangelo.

Just imagine, though, if Michelangelo had let his fear or self-judgment stand in his way. He wouldn’t have accomplished this remarkable feat.

The only answer for the “Who am I to do this work?” question is to ask, “Who am I not to do this work?” and then do it anyway.

Perhaps the “Who am I” question helps us stay humble. Maybe it’s a sort of check and balance system that keeps us from growing a big ego so we can focus instead on heartfelt service.

Regardless, it can be inspiring to remember the historic impact of the remarkable people who are known to have uttered, “Who am I to do this work?”

Artists like Michelangelo, prophets like Moses and Mohamed, all experienced fear and self-judgment, but they heeded their call and did it anyway.

*Michelangelo, by Howard Hibbard