Nathan Crockett, PhD

Color. Texture. Shadow. Light.
Stroke by stroke, the artist makes the card disappear.

By the end, it blends so perfectly,
you forget anything’s missing.

It appears to be a full lime.

Then he removes the lime,
And the illusion shatters.

You see what was real.
And what was made to look real.

Here’s the lesson for business:

Just because something looks seamless doesn’t mean it’s whole.
Just because a team looks productive doesn’t mean they’re healthy.
Just because a brand looks polished doesn’t mean it’s trusted.
Just because a leader looks confident doesn’t mean they’re okay.

In business, we get good at painting over gaps.

We smooth the surface.
We mask the cracks.
We build illusions.

But real growth begins when we take the lime away.

When we ask:

What are we hiding?
What needs healing, not just gloss?

What are we pretending is fine?

The artist’s skill is stunning.
But in business, illusion can cost us.

It can hide culture rot.
It can delay the hard conversation.
It can make us think we’re winning when we’re bleeding inside.

So here's your reminder:
Pull back the illusions.
Check the foundation.

See what's real.

Because long-term success isn’t painted.
It’s built.

(visual by artist Howard Lee; follow him on FB)

♻️ Repost to encourage others to keep it real.

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Every successful person has overcome hard times.

Don't be ashamed of your struggle, work past it.

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Listen to advice from others, but do what you know to be right.

A good friend once told me. . .

“Nathan, live your life for an audience of One.”

He was reminding me that I will answer to God for how I’ve lived my life.

Don’t be overly consumed with the opinion of other people.

(Visual by Moina Abdul)


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Do you take responsibility for your actions?

Carol Burnett's quote, "Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me," encapsulates the essence of personal responsibility.


External support is valuable, but true transformation comes from within.

- Control your destiny

- Take action

- Overcome obstacles


Waiting for others to change your circumstances is usually futile;

Own your journey

Unlock your potential



Live your life instead of waiting for others.

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