How to Master Practically Anything

We live in an extraordinary time.

Content is everywhere. Information is available at our fingertips, instantaneously. Experts from all walks of life now have immediate access to a global audience. There are numerous approaches to just about any skill, activity or goal one might be interested in. The options are daunting and limitless.

The insidious thing is that we fall into the trap of thinking that "if it isn't here now, it is hard to do."

So we scour the internet, latch onto philosophies, experiment and put faith into dogmas that promises results. Unfortunately, to borrow Emerson's sentiments, "it is a deliverance that does not deliver."

In my years of trying and failing in my own personal endeavors, one truth has presented itself time and time again... there is only one surefire approach to mastery.

As much as we love the idea that there is something we must be missing or getting wrong, this is not so. A convoluted approach to this or that seems logical in its novelty; by being something we hadn't considered, we consider it viable. We think that we must eat differently or take up calisthenics to become a faster runner or stronger. It is attractive to pursue a convoluted and circuitous route to success - because after all, that must be the key.

In my experience, "Self-Reliance" is a wise collection of thoughts and inspiration that can be studied for a lifetime. Similar to the Tao in the sense that one can read "Self-Reliance" in an afternoon.

First we must learn to love our obstacles and challenges. Without them, we are without North Star or purpose. Rather than something to be dreaded or avoided, we should learn that without them we are not motivated.

So what is the key to mastery?

It isn't sexy. You might laugh. You may be disappointed or annoyed to consider it, but the surefire path to mastery is to do the thing you aim to master.

That is right. Want to get better at pushups? Do more pushups. Auditioning? Go to more auditions; even for student films. Maybe you will book it... doesn't mean you have to accept it. Public speaking? You got it...Toastmasters, etc.

Do the thing you intend to master.

Sure, do the other auxiliary activities too, it cannot hurt, but grease the groove by pursuing exactly what you aim to excel at.