I like the word Mastery. The definition (Merriam-Webster) = possession or display of great skill or technique. I love watching Mastery at work, whether it’s a Zamboni driver at an ice rink, a teacher managing a learning space, or an engineer sharing a process created for producing great parts. True Mastery energizes me because of the energy coming from the master.
I like the word so much I named my proven process for individual development Journey to Mastery. Here is why and how.
Mastery: George Leonard wrote a book called Mastery in 1991. I give a copy to every career planning client as the ultimate guide to finding success and fulfillment in life. When a friend challenged me on this book vs a few other more popular books on this topic, I shared my rule – I don’t recommend books where the author’s picture is on the cover. Mastery is work, and while it requires inspiration, it requires a whole lot of perspiration – so I look for people who are going to help create inner strength for the journey.
Journey: This word evokes a trip from one place to another. The special part of this journey is that we don’t know exactly where it ends, but we know what a journey takes: movement, ability to react to change, and endurance.
I outline the basic steps in my publication – Own It! 5 Tips for Managing Your Career and Performance. This time of year is a good time to return to Step 5.5 – the check-in on your progress and resetting your direction/goals for the coming year. Mastery is not about wandering, and Step 5.5 helps reset the purpose of your journey.
Another great quote from Leonard also reminds us that the Journey to Mastery is inclusive; we just need to focus on reminding ALL people, especially those that need some extra help/support because they don’t believe it is for them.
It’s available to anyone who is willing to get on the path and stay on it – regardless of age, sex, or previous experience.
How are you doing on your Journey to Mastery? How are you promoting it and supporting it in your own organization?
2017 is a great year to start.
Wondering HOW to start?
My gift to you: An outline of my proven process, Journey to Mastery – and it comes without a picture of me. 🙂