As a young art teacher, this author was inspired by the advice of Faith Ringgold, who emphasized the importance of creating time during each day to create art. This advice led the author to develop a painting discipline by creating "The 40/40 Challenge" for her students in Painting I and Painting II classes. The 40/40 Challenge is a voluntary painting challenge developed for the purpose of creating disciplined painting work habits by making the commitment to complete a one-hour painting every day for 40 days. The most noted impact of the Challenge was in the atmosphere that developed in the classroom. By conveying her own convictions in the worth and knowledge of painting, and by being determined to overcome her own doubt and weakness, this author co-created a climate for serious learning. Participants in the Challenge were admired for their ability to exhibit quality work on a daily basis, and others in the art department asked these students for advice. This transfer of authority built visible confidence in each of the participants.