The path to mastery is not straight, it is often laden with twists and turns. However if you are able to navigate your way through, you will continue to revere at the great feat you have achieved. The learning process in this context is that of acquiring a skill. I know that so many times you have adored someone for displaying a high level of mastery in a particular skill. Then you say to yourself ‘how on earth is he able to do that?’
I have been in such situation a couple of times. For instance, I am completely blown away whenever I listen to any music composed by Hans Zimmer or Andrew Lockington. Their music can evoke all kind of emotions and feelings. It is so powerful and rejuvenating that I begin to wonder how someone could produce such a mesmerizing piece of work.
One thing comes to mind after my bewilderment. They are masters in this art of music composition. What does it take to master or become a master in something? There are many things that comes to play when someone is trying to acquire a skill. As much as the learning process doesn’t come easy, you also have to deal with so many other things. I have briefly expounded on some of them below.
Overcoming Inertia
Inertia is simply the tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged. The slogan “just do it” which is a component of the Nike brand, is pertinent to overcoming inertia. There is this paralysis that may come when you try to get the whole picture of what you want to learn. It becomes overwhelming and you simply don’t feel like starting again.
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I used to be aquaphobic. I hope you are not thinking I am afraid of drinking or bathing with water?. I can’t simply stand the fear of going into any water body that levels up to just my knees. It sends shivers up my spine. On the other hand, I admired those that can swim efficiently. Gliding from one end of the pool to the other. I used to fantasize being like them, moving unnoticed from one end of the pool to another. These were just wishful thinking because the force of inertia held me back.
One day, everything changed and I can now do most of those things I used to fantasize. The above quote says it all. You have analyzed so much, all you need now is to just do it.
Don’t Doubt, It Kills
Doubt dampens the effort you should have put in to bring something to fruition. All this happens mostly in the mind. My first attempt to swim was awful. I could barely stand in the pool talk less of floating or swimming. I had a lot of people trying to tutor me on how to go about being an efficient swimmer. All their kind contributions were simply overwhelming and I doubted if I could actually succeed in learning how to swim.
Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt. — William Shakespeare
I had to rewire my mind and believe I can. From breath control, kicking, floating, I was able to race with my teachers. All these happened in a space of four days. One element that can’t be ruled out of mastering a skill is practice. I kept on practicing in order to hone my different swimming styles. I have a long way to go, but I am way ahead from where I started.
Be Consistently Consistent
Nothing beats consistency. Even though it is insane to keep doing something in one way and expecting varying result. I am just saying that you should not consistently do what doesn't work for you.There is need for a constant refining of approach to achieve better results. Constant practice leads to mastery. At a point, you will reach the autopilot mode when you don’t have to overthink it.
Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals. — E. James Rohn
Consistency can strengthen the muscle memory associated with any skill. Take for instance, when you were learning how to drive. You will give all your attention and block off anything that may seem to interfere in the process. Then you become proficient and can now use one hand, be listening to your favorite music or even chatting with someone while driving. I am not encouraging distractions when driving, you sure get the point I am driving home. You have simply reached a point where your muscle memory have taken over.
When you overcome inertia, rule out all doubt and consistently practice. Then you are on the way to gaining mastery. One thing you must not forget is that what goes on in your mind can either make the learning experience enjoyable or vice versa. Find out what you want to learn and just start :)
