Achieving Mastery
I recently listened to an audio program on my commute to work and one of the vignettes in the program told of a chance meeting between two people at a party. One was an accomplished violinist, the other was an admiring fan. The fan, trying to flatter the violinist, told him that his music was so beautiful and that he would give anything to be able to play like the master. The response from the master shocked the fan, when rather than graciously accepting the praise he instead said, “No Sir. You wouldn’t.”
The master went on to tell the fan that he may think he wants to be a master. However, to achieve mastery requires commitment, dedication and sacrifice that most people are unwilling or unable to apply for the duration necessary. The master said his desire, even as a young child, compelled him to stay inside as a boy when his friends were outside having fun. It compelled him to play until his fingers blistered and bled from the friction of the strings wearing against his skin. It compelled him to stay up late practicing, trying different techniques until the music flowed through his body. He described the fear and embarrassment he suffered when he first started playing in front of audiences and the personal courage it took him to conquer his fears.
As he finished the tale he explained the countless hours he sacrificed playing the same simple cords over and over again and all the little joys that he gave up in his life so that he could achieve this level of mastery. Then he paused and looked the fan in the eyes and asked simply, “Now tell me Sir, would you really give anything to achieve my level of mastery?” The fan was humbled and sighed because he understood. Then the fan simply said “You are right and that’s why you are the master.”
Whether the story is true or not doesn’t really matter. What is really important is the message. Most people dream or wish they could be, have or do something, but they choose not to take the steps necessary and work hard enough to make the dream come true.
Mastery Requires Attention To Detail Consistently Applied Over Time
I recently tested for, and initially failed to earn, the honor of wearing a black belt in Mu Du Kwon Taekwondo. One of my mentors and the senior black belt on the testing panel looked at my body positioning and placement of my hands in one of our tests and noted that they were slightly out of position. This feedback came from a seventh degree black belt, who like the violinist in the story above had spent countless hours and made many personal sacrifices to achieve his level of expertise. He is truly an awesome sight to see in action.
Sensing my disappointment and frustration at failing this test, the master coached me through the minor adjustments to my body and hands and asked me if I could feel the difference. It was very subtle, but I could. I was more stable and the placement of my hands afforded me greater protection. He smiled and reminded me that being honored with a black belt meant that my journey was just beginning and was not at an end point. Then he said simply “Mastery requires attention to detail consistently applied over time.”
Don’t Practice Until You Can Do It Right
Keep Practicing Until You Can’t Do It Wrong
We continued our testing and training over the next few days and each day I focused on the detailed precision necessary in each of my movements. The focus and attention this required was at times uncomfortable, but they pushed my skills to a higher level. As I wound my black belt around my waist for the first time the master shared one last piece of wisdom. He said, “The color belts will practice our techniques until they get them right. You’re a black belt now and the expectation is that you now practice until you can’t get them wrong.”
In business and leadership there are masters who seem to know just what to say or just what to do to keep their organizations moving in the right direction. These masters have also made sacrifices by putting in their time and losing precious moments with their friends and families to focus on their career or expertise. They too have pushed through their fear, made their mistakes and grown from their experiences.
Mastery is rare and very special. The masters will tell you they are not special and say it is achievable by anyone. The key is to focus on what you want and commit to spend the time and energy required to achieve it.