The Art of Mastery
“All man’s well-being depends upon two things: one is the right choice of aim, of the end to which actions should tend, the other lies in the finding of the actions that lead to that end” – Aristotle
The right mental approach is a major factor in long term health and fitness success, particularly when it comes to commitment and following through on tasks. The right choice of aim and finding the actions that help to achieve are the two vital ingredients to mastery, both of yourself and your goals.
What is mastery?
Mastery is a state of being.
“Consistency not perfection” is the catchphrase of our friend Paul Stephen Lubicz. Consistency is the mark of the master – it’s a state not a product. The minute you get locked into believing there is a perfect way to doing anything you become less open to other possibilities. Self growth stops and the self critical part of your mind can become a self defeating monster. Because those impossible ‘fixed’ ideals you’re holding onto can’t be met and the only thing that sets you up for is negative self image. Don’t get us wrong though, consistently doing an average job will bring average results, it’s only through the approach of excellence can true mastery be attained.
The fundamentals of Mastery
Recently I read an exceptional book by George Leonard called ‘Mastery’. In it Leonard emphasizes the point of living in the current moment, and even accepting and enjoying the plateau we all experience from time to time.
So how do you best move towards mastery? To put it simply, you practice diligently, but you practice primarily for the sake of the practice itself. Rather than being frustrated while on the plateau, you learn to appreciate and enjoy it just as much as you do the upward surges:
“Practice, the path of mastery, exists only in the present. You can see it, hear it, smell it, feel it. To love the plateau is to love the eternal now, to enjoy the inevitable spurts of progress and the fruits of accomplishment, then serenely to accept the new plateau that waits just beyond them. To love the plateau is to love what is most essential and enduring in your life.”
The 5 keys to fulfillment…
Leonard describes 5 master keys to long-term success and fulfillment, as:
1. Instruction – Find a master teacher
2. Practice – Masters love to practice, it’s their passion
3. Surrender – Surrendering to your teacher and to the demands of your discipline
4. Intentionality – Create the vision in colour
5. The Edge – Push the envelope
Dabbler, Obsessive, Hacker, Master
Which one are you?
The Dabbler: Approaches each new sport, relationship, career with enormous enthusiasm. They love the ritual of getting started, new equipment. But they only seek instant gratification and when they reach that plateau they quit and look for the next bed to jump in.
The Obsessive: Makes the journey painful. Results are the only thing that counts. When they reach the plateau the obsessive bangs, fights and does whatever it takes to knock through it.
The Hacker: Stays on the plateau indefinitely. Does enough to get by and stays in the comfort zone.
The Master: Simply anticipates the plateau, which leads to power. They don’t fight it, stress about it or quit. They practice dedication and practice diligently, for the sake of the practice itself. When climbing the mountain be aware of the peak ahead, but don’t keep looking at it. Keep your eyes on the road, and when you reach the top just keep going…
“Do not think that this is all there is. More and more wonderful teachings exist – the sword is unfathomable” – Master Swordsman Yamaoka Tesshu
“All man’s well-being depends upon two things: one is the right choice of aim, of the end to which actions should tend, the other lies in the finding of the actions that lead to that end” – Aristotle
The right mental approach is a major factor in long term health and fitness success, particularly when it comes to commitment and following through on tasks. The right choice of aim and finding the actions that help to achieve are the two vital ingredients to mastery, both of yourself and your goals.
What is mastery?
Mastery is a state of being.
“Consistency not perfection” is the catchphrase of our friend Paul Stephen Lubicz. Consistency is the mark of the master – it’s a state not a product. The minute you get locked into believing there is a perfect way to doing anything you become less open to other possibilities. Self growth stops and the self critical part of your mind can become a self defeating monster. Because those impossible ‘fixed’ ideals you’re holding onto can’t be met and the only thing that sets you up for is negative self image. Don’t get us wrong though, consistently doing an average job will bring average results, it’s only through the approach of excellence can true mastery be attained.
The fundamentals of Mastery
Recently I read an exceptional book by George Leonard called ‘Mastery’. In it Leonard emphasizes the point of living in the current moment, and even accepting and enjoying the plateau we all experience from time to time.
So how do you best move towards mastery? To put it simply, you practice diligently, but you practice primarily for the sake of the practice itself. Rather than being frustrated while on the plateau, you learn to appreciate and enjoy it just as much as you do the upward surges:
“Practice, the path of mastery, exists only in the present. You can see it, hear it, smell it, feel it. To love the plateau is to love the eternal now, to enjoy the inevitable spurts of progress and the fruits of accomplishment, then serenely to accept the new plateau that waits just beyond them. To love the plateau is to love what is most essential and enduring in your life.”
The 5 keys to fulfillment…
Leonard describes 5 master keys to long-term success and fulfillment, as:
1. Instruction – Find a master teacher
2. Practice – Masters love to practice, it’s their passion
3. Surrender – Surrendering to your teacher and to the demands of your discipline
4. Intentionality – Create the vision in colour
5. The Edge – Push the envelope
Dabbler, Obsessive, Hacker, Master
Which one are you?
The Dabbler: Approaches each new sport, relationship, career with enormous enthusiasm. They love the ritual of getting started, new equipment. But they only seek instant gratification and when they reach that plateau they quit and look for the next bed to jump in.
The Obsessive: Makes the journey painful. Results are the only thing that counts. When they reach the plateau the obsessive bangs, fights and does whatever it takes to knock through it.
The Hacker: Stays on the plateau indefinitely. Does enough to get by and stays in the comfort zone.
The Master: Simply anticipates the plateau, which leads to power. They don’t fight it, stress about it or quit. They practice dedication and practice diligently, for the sake of the practice itself. When climbing the mountain be aware of the peak ahead, but don’t keep looking at it. Keep your eyes on the road, and when you reach the top just keep going…
“Do not think that this is all there is. More and more wonderful teachings exist – the sword is unfathomable” – Master Swordsman Yamaoka Tesshu
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