Movement toward mastery, be it in a sport, trade or hobby, is a progression from coarse to fine.
In the beginning, things tend to be a little awkward. The fundamentals are a foreign concept and it can be hard to get through even the most basic exercises in relation to the task at hand. As you move along and gain a little experience, however, things start to get a little easier.
The moment you get a good grasp of the fundamentals in just about anything is the moment the fun really begins. But don’t be mistaken, it is an important time of transition. The coolness and confidence that come from a strong command of the fundamentals must be parlayed into a deeper relaxation, a centering that allows for the more subtle elements to be perceived and mastered.
Why is it that the great ones in any sport, trade or hobby make what they’re doing look easy? It’s partly because they’ve conquered the basics, that is, practiced them until they are unconsciously performed with precision and partly because their attention and focus have narrowed to handling the smallest details of flawless execution.
The finest details in life are reserved to those who dedicate themselves to mastery in living.
Gregory Hake 
With experience comes a need for less conscious engagement in the details, freeing up conscious space to focus on the underlying principle’s which are in operation.
One such problem we face is in the misuse of such space, seeking to utilize the newly afforded space with multitasking, rather than as you mentioned relaxing and perceiving deeper the underlying principles at work.
It can be seen how such relaxing at that point could open the way for the artistic stroke of “sprezzatura”, or wisdom in action.
This refining practice is most enjoyable,restoring the flow of life to even the most mundane of practices.
Which is Mastery
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Your words regarding the next phase after fundamentals are established regarding a deeper relaxation and a centering that allows for more subtle elements to be perceived and mastered struck a chord with me. This makes me think that the more we have done something the more we can get in a rut of just getting it done rather than relaxing deeper in our ability to do something. As we relax deeper I can see how even newer ways can be discovered with something we have done over and over. What a great way to begin the spring season.
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Familiarity can breed many negative qualities by default, but when steps are taken to remain conscious and alert to the unique nature of each and every moment in time you find that a whole new world of variety and texture open up to you!
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All skills and life processes should refine, and the refinement does lead to mastery. Establishing the foundation fully and accurately, however, is so crucial. No matter how ardently one may refine a skill that is based on a faulty or unbalanced foundation, one will never really excel at that skill, and the weak areas will always limit the potential of success. On the other hand, a mechanical slavishness to “the basics” will never lead to greatness either, because the grand artistry is discovered in the refined aspects. This dynamic balance is such a key!
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I can’t help but think of the power of mentors in this regard. I am also deeply appreciative of those who have done true pioneering, that is, original work, with respect to the discovery and mastery of previously unexplored territory.
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Great post! – words to remember for every phase of life.
Your blog continues to be a main point of inspiration and reflection for my daily living.
Thank you for always seeking to encourage us to become our best and provide practical ideas for living an uncommon life.
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Great to hear Brad! So delighted to see you making a difference!
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I’m in the begining of learning a new skill and have found it helpful after each practice to write a list of tips I realized would help me to improve next time. It’s been very beneficial to read my thoughts of the last practice before I start the next. The old “note to self” does work! The basics are the foundation. If you were a builder even your 100th house needs a proper foundation to last.
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I’ve often done the same and found it to be useful. Summarizing key points learned to a teacher, boss or mentor on a regular basis can go a long way to tying down the “aha” moments!
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The thing that I like about the mastery phase of a process is that you can finely tailor it to how you naturally work. With the fundamentals, everyone pretty much learns the same things, but when you are mastering something, you can add your personal style to it. You can own in in a way that is impossible for the beginner, and that is an awesome feeling.
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Great point, Colin. There is a definite transition to be made at this point in the learning process!
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so true!
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It’s tempting to want to skip the fundamentals of the given skill you are seeking to master, especially if you find it difficult or excel in natural talent to the given task. That will always come back to haunt you, hurt you even, for it takes an inordinate amount of energy to undo a bad and sloppy habit, righting the wrongs ex post facto.
Focus and defecits of attention are huge issues today that people are seeking medical attention for. Can’t help but to think that a bit of discipline in this area would help to correct things at a deeper level…..hmmm
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To the beginning piano player: do your scales! To the budding equestrian: perfect your seat! To the newly employed: show up on time and listen carefully! There is something for everyone in this…
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Excellent description of the process by which any person can accomplish mastery.
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Thank you.
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