Components of Mastery
by Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, CMC503 words
Often, people attend my speeches and seminars looking for new ideas. Sometimes they know what to do, and they're looking for the motivation to do it. This got me thinking about mastery. As a result, I've developed a five-step formula for mastery.*
Sometimes we're seeking ways to become better at our jobs. Or we want to learn how to have a more fulfilling relationship with someone we care about, manage our time better, close sales more successfully, or lead a more healthy life style. Although you may be good at many things in your life, would you consider yourself a master at them? Even top pros continue to work to become better.
It impresses me while watching the Olympics, to realize that these athletes, many of whom hold world records, still see room for improvement. They all have coaches, they all practice untold hours, they all strive for their own personal best.
Why, a number of years ago, did Bonnie Blair go for her fifth gold medal when she already had four? I think it was because she knew she could do better. She not only got the fifth gold, but she set a new world record.
In order to pursue and practice mastery, follow these five steps:
1. Desire change.
o You must believe something must change.
o You must believe you must change it.
o You must believe you can change it.2. Explore your attitude about the results of the change.
Explore both positive and negative results. How will your life be different? What are your fears about the change? What are the benefits it will bring? What will it cost you?3. Know the process to institute the new behavior.
Just wishing for change is not very effective. When you want to master a new skill, you need to know how to acquire that skill or behavior. How can you learn about mastery in this area? Read a book? Attend a seminar? Enlist a mentor? Get a coach?4. Use the new behavior regularly.
Practice. Just like Bonnie Blair. Practice does not make perfect. It makes permanent. You could be cementing poor habits. Only perfect practice makes perfect. Few people ever achieve perfection in any endeavor. However, an overriding concern for perfection can mentally paralyze us and make us not practice.5. Enjoy the benefits of change, no matter how small.
How does it feel when you have glimpses of a higher level of mastery? When you're in the "zone"-even if it's leading an effective business meeting, giving a heartfelt talk, or telling someone you love them-it feels great! Relish that feeling. It will keep you going if you trip and fall on your road to mastery.*I'm sure some of this is from seminars I've attended, books and articles I've read, and conversations I've had with people over the last twenty years. I don't have anyone specific to whom I can attribute any of this to. It's an amalgamation of many sources, none of which I can identify.
Copyright 1998 Morgan Seminar Group
_____________Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, is a dynamic speaker and seminarist. She is the author of four books, TurboTime: Maximizing Your Results Through Technology, Calming Upset Customers, Life's Lessons: Insights and Information for a Richer Life, and Professional Selling. For information on her speaking services, books, and tapes contact her at 1440 Newport Ave., San Jose, CA 95125, 408/998-7977, 800/247-9662, fax: 408/998-1742, rebecca@RebeccaMorgan.com, www.RebeccaMorgan.com. Please contact Rebecca for permission to reprint or repost this item.
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