Today I want to share the opportunity to talk about the canvas strategy, the story on how I first discover it, and how it can be applied in the modern era.

What do you mean by the "canvas strategy"?

The canvas strategy is a very old concept. It probably started with the Roman system of art and science, as more people relied on the state for food, protection, and sustenance in exchange for performing various tasks -- from paintings to harvesting crops and designing buildings.

Today, we see this exact system survive generations later. Many people can agree that it formed the foundation of modern western civilisation. It shaped the way we think about work, ethics, commerce, and politics. It also undoubtedly sparked some of the biggest creative and entrepreneurial breakthroughs.

So whenever you hear me talking about the "canvas strategy" this is what I'm talking about: a framework for achieving your best work and providing the support for others to do good. The latin term for this is to be an atambulo -- literally means "someone who clears the path".

Essentially, the strategy lies in eliminating all the obstacles and superstitions around a project -- to become a "canvas" for our work to shine.

#2 Why is the canvas strategy important for us today?

Something needs to be said about the way we think about achieving success or building a legacy around our work or career. It can be so easy to get caught in the inspiration phase to find the best path forward. You don't want to be that one guy that you don't see for years, disappears into the woods, and comes back full of exciting ideas -- and no results to show for it.

(Believe me...I used to be that guy.)

Instead, many of the goals in life -- especially the goals relating to the arts, business, and sports -- only exist as a framework for creativity, collaboration, and building a sustainable work ethic in society. That's how the canvas strategy applies even today in modern society.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. You can start anytime, in any domain and line of work -- as long you have the right values to work towards a goal that society needs.

3# What's the story behind the canvas strategy?

The first time I came across the idea of a "canvas strategy" was while reading a book called Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday. In the book, there is a story of a man named Marcus Valerius Martialis(41AD -104AD), best known for his short poems and insights into Roman's culture.

Marcus first came to Rome (64AD) as a young aspiring poet and epigrammist. And just like most of us brimming with ambition, he wanted money and an estate where he could produce his work in peace and independence.

Over the years, Marcus served many wealthy patrons around Rome, paying his respects, making way for other people, writing letters and communicating messages on their behalf, and receiving small tokens and favours in return. After all, he wasn't born to a rich family -- Rome looked down on him as nothing more than an expendable asset. Or at least that's what he thought...

I could almost feel my chest getting tight in reading his story.

I could imagine what he must have been thinking:

"Quomodo audent me sic tractare?"

(How dare them to treat me like this?)

"Quomodo audes mecum ita loqui?"

(How dare you to talk to me like this?)

"Maledicito illis eorumque liberis corruptis."

(Curse them and their spoiled children)

"Faciam ut artem meam cognoscant!."

(I will make them realise my art!)

For all his impotent rage, what Marcus didn't realise at the time was his unique position as an outsider that gave him such fascinating insight into Rome's culture. He spend most of his day learning about the myths, tales, scandals, hypocrisies, and customs that lived on society's upper crust. Ironically, much of those things that he resented about Rome made it into his work.

It was the fuel that sparked over 1,500 poems that still survive to this day.

4# How does the canvas strategy actually work?

• Discover opportunities to promote creativity. This could include putting together ideas and resources for others to pick up.

• Find outlets for collaboration. Find people across different industries and get them to work together.

• Eliminate distractions that hinder progress and focus. Discover the one thing that everyone else is avoiding (or dosen't want to do) and do it.