11 steps to master anything
Basic steps
1. Learn in context
Find practice opportunities that are in or could fit into your existing life and work, now.
2. Analyze examples of good
Identify people who are good in a skill. Understand in detail what makes them good. Ask them what kind of mindset and habits they have which made them good.
3. Set stretching but doable goals
Deliberate practice – practicing one’s learning edge – sets master musicians apart from those who are equally proficient technically. A more basic way to practice is to set objectives for the practice and check whether the objectives were achieved and why.
4. Get feedback
Ask for feedback on how you did against set goals at every opportunity
5. Get peer support and pressure
Learning together with others creates both push and pull for practice. There is peer pressure to keep up, and the positive energy from overcoming challenges and achieving new heights together.
6. Build capacity for practice
A runner builds up the physical and mental ability to run a certain distance at a certain speed over time. Similarly, frequency and intensity of practice (e.g., X times a day or week, to what level) need to be built up.
Advanced steps
7. Get a coach
Good coach can guide you on what and how to practice, and also what prevents you from practicing more effectively.
8. Build critical mass
Learning occurs in spurts not straight lines. When practicing, be patient to build up the critical mass of practice to achieve the current step function. Don’t give up prematurely.
9. Practice until there is “Muscle memory”:
Physical human motion is mostly subconscious. Mastering a mental skill similarly means that you can do it subconsciously. Depending on the complexity of the skill, mastery requires months to years of intentional practice.
10. Breadth not just depth
For many complex business skills (e.g., how to influence people) there are 10-12 related skills for proficiency. A critical mass in both breadth and depth needs to be achieved.
11. Multi-realm learning
The most effective learners of new skills are multi-realm learners. They consistently and intentionally develop skills in at least 3-4 different fields across multiple years, and in some cases decades. This helps to, over time, build a massive library of patterns across areas which they draw on as needed for inspiration and stimulus when faced with unfamiliar problems.