ISTE reached out to inspiring people from a range of fields and asked them to share their insights in mini-keynotes at ISTE 2014. This EdTekTalk is one in a series of five videos that showcases futurists, designers and entrepreneurs.

Phil Hansen was a promising artist when a crippling shake prevented him from creating the pointillist works that were his passion. He had no choice but to walk away from his art. Or so he thought.

When a neurologist suggested that he embrace the shake, Hansen found himself changing his thinking from " "what is" " to " "what if?" " Embracing the shake was a transformative process that caused him to re-think the concept of limitation.

He experimented by imposing limits on himself. Painting with his feet. Working in two-by-fours. Scribbling to form patterns. In the process, he unleashed a creativity he never imagined.

" "We need to first be limited in order to become limitless," " he says. This is the lesson that students need to hear in order to accept failure and push through barriers.

" "Embracing the shake is about building our foundational skills so we can tap our potential when we need it most," " he says. " "Looking at limitations as a source of creativity changed my life. Whenever I find myself stumped, I still struggle. But I continue to show up for the process and remind myself of the possibilities." "

The EdTekTalks are returning to the ISTE Conference & Expo! Sign up for the conference mailing list to be the first to find out which innovators from beyond ed tech will speak at ISTE 2015.