Above the 45 post by David duChemin contains this gem.
"In the artist’s life there are two axes: on the Y axis is challenge (or opportunities), on the X is ability.
"When the opportunities we take equal the talent or ability we have, we are living on the 45-degree angle formed between the two. Perfect balance, and generally, to put it into blunt terms, stagnation.
"But when the opportunities we create or seize seem to outpace the talent or ability we have, we grow in that ability to meet the opportunity, and are living above the 45."
Expand, evolve, explore, take risks.
Full post.