in 2006ish I got a tattoo on my left wrist inspired by a Chicago Art ad campaign. It simply says "Fear No Art." I've tried to be the artist that doesn't fear any kind of art since then, and I've branched out, tried new things, failed at some, but have had a lot more fun.
Since then, with the love and support of my wonderful wife, I've come to really think of myself as an artist, and my main skill, pencil character illustration, has grown tremendously. The biggest help I got there: On August 1, 2010, I started a self-charged artist challenge to do 1 sketch per day, everyday, for a solid year. I completed that challenge this year. Since I've found myself not only willing to draw more often, but I enjoy it even more, and have seen my skills flourish.