Progress > Mastery
There is no limit on “progress.” Talent is distributed unevenly, but there is no limit on how much we can improve what we start with. Never focus on what you started with. Always focus on making what you started with better. Seek progress.
In fact, I think one of the best feelings in the world is the feeling of making progress.
Think about it.
If you're a quarterback, one practice won't make you an NFL All-Pro. But one drill might make your spiral a little bit tighter, and that is a really good feeling.
If you're learning a language, one hour of studying won't make you a master of the language. But one hour of studying might make your understanding of verb conjugations a little bit stronger, and that is a really good feeling.
If you're investing in stocks, one morning on the stock market won't make you a millionaire. But one morning on the stock market might earn you a bit more confidence, and that is a really good feeling.
Stop seeking mastery. Start seeking progress.
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden thought that not having the opportunity to make progress was actually the worst punishment he could give his team.
When his players failed to practice in a way that met the standards of UCLA Basketball, Wooden simply turned off the lights of the gym and said, “Gentlemen, practice is over.” They had lost their opportunity to make progress that day, which to Wooden, was the highest form of punishment.
One thing I’ve begun to realize, as I’m sure many of Wooden’s players did, is that winners realize that the struggle of progress is a privilege. It gives them the opportunity to prove themselves and become better.
Losers see the struggle of progress as an unnecessary inconvenience. If it makes life harder, they avoid it at all costs.
Embrace the struggle of progress. Appreciate the work. Stop seeking mastery. Start seeking progress.
There's a popular quote that goes like this: "Someone once told me not to bite off more than I can chew. I said I'd rather choke on greatness than nibble on mediocrity!"
I disagree.
I think slow and steady is the better option for the long-run because it keeps you motivated.
Take on manageable challenges and you'll get frequent signals of progress. Bite off more than you can chew and progress stalls. When you make progress, you want to keep going. When you break progress, you want to stop.
Slow down, make progress, and don’t stop.
Stop seeking mastery. Start seeking progress.