Issue 25

 

 In today's "Quick Fix" society we want instant gratification.  We see it everywhere.  We have books and courses that promise us "Total Fitness in 12 Minutes a Week" or "Make Millions by Working Only 2 Hours a Week In Your Underwear at Your Kitchen Table".  Ridiculous!

 

Long term success is built on the foundation of mastery.  You don't hear much about mastery today because it involves hard work.  Like me, maybe you have enjoyed watching bits and pieces of the Winter Olympics.  These highly trained athletes from around the world have worked many years to master the basics of their sport.  As a result, we continue to witness new world records being set in almost every Olympic sport.

 

So what exactly is mastery and how can you apply the concept to your life or business?  In his excellent book, "Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment", George Leonard lays out the 5 keys to mastery.

 

 

Key 1: Instruction:  Some skills come naturally and some can be learned on your own.  However, if you truly want to journey down the path of mastery, it's imperative to seek instruction from the "best of the best".  Any champion in business, sports, or life has been instructed by a number of teachers, coaches, and mentors along the way.

 

Key 2: Practice:  In any area you desire to achieve mastery, practice is a must.  If you peel back the covers and peek into the daily life of any of the 2010 Olympians you will see it filled with hours and hours of practice.  We often just see the final result - the new world record or the winning shot in hockey.  But before there were cheering crowds celebrating the big wins, there were hours upon hours of disciplined practice.

 

Key 3: Surrender:  You must be willing to surrender to your teacher as well as to the demands of your particular discipline or calling.  In doing so, you bring a certain humility that will allow exponential gains on your path to mastery.

 

Key 4: Intentionality:  Another essential key to mastery, intentionality can also be thought of as the "Mental Game".  As I've watched interviews throughout the Olympics, most athletes talk more about the mental game - or their "vision" than they do the physical preparation or performance.  Golfing great Jack Nicklaus once said that a successful shot is 50% visualization, 40% set up, and only 10%% swing.

 

Key 5: The Edge:  To achieve mastery you will have to "go to the edge" or "push the envelope" from time to time.  This doesn't mean that you throw all caution to the wind and perform recklessly or dangerously.  However, to achieve mastery and thus break through to new heights will require you go beyond the realm of all that is "possible' into the new and uncharted waters of the "impossible".

 

Mastery - it's not for the faint hearted, but it can certainly take you on paths you never dreamed possible.  Why not get started on your path to mastery today!