“Mastery” by George Leonhard

Mastery is the path of patient, dedicated effort without expecting quick results.

It’s been a while since I watch a lecture by German learning coach and author Vera F. Birkenbihl. In it, she emphasizes that if you care about personal growth and mastery, you should definitely read one particular book. George Leonhard’s “Mastery.”

Shortly after her lecture, I bought George Leonhard’s book.

Since I myself have been practicing Karate for many years and Leonhard is a teacher in the Japanese martial art Aikido, I could relate well to his thoughts.

The path of mastery takes a very long time, is one of the key aspects Leonhard emphasizes. This path is a journey of self-improvement and learning rather than a specific destination that one reaches.

On any journey toward mastery, there is a plateau where no progress is apparent. This is where patient practice is especially necessary.

Somewhere along this journey, one must also make a decision and ask oneself a crucial question: Am I in the right game?

If the answer is yes, then it is a matter of continuing to improve the game. If the answer is no, it’s better to stop.

This moment of decision exists in everything that is about learning, development and change.

The 4 Types: Dabbler, Obsessive, Hacker and Master

George Leonhard divides people who strive for mastery into four types:

• The Dabbler shows great enthusiasm. He wants to discover new things. Then, when he hits a plateau, his enthusiasm quickly wanes and he finds excuses so he doesn’t have to devote himself to work. To continue on the path of mastery would mean that he would have to change.
• The Obsessive needs results. It is not acceptable for him to be on a plateau for a long time. Therefore, he increases his effort. He does not understand the necessity of phases of development.
• The Hacker is willing to stay on a plateau for a very long time. After practicing for a while, he looks for a comfortable refuge rather than an opportunity to learn and develop.
• The Master is constantly striving to develop and acquire new skills. When he finds himself at a plateau, he keeps at it and keeps practicing. He enjoys regular practice and stays at the training site five minutes longer each day than anyone else. He is focused, deeply relaxed and feels good about himself.

To like plateau is to like what is most permanent and essential in your life.

The 5 Keys to Mastery

George Leonhard lists five keys that he believes lead to mastery.

• Instruction: It takes good instruction to make progress, such as in the form of a good teacher, or movies and books.
• Practice: To get better, it takes doing without a goal as a regular part of one’s life.
• Surrender: There are times when it is necessary to give up hard-earned skills in order to get to the next level. At these points, it takes a kind of beginner’s mind, especially when one is quite advanced.
• Intention: It takes an imagination or vision in the process of creating and shaping. The process of mastery is about a kind of transformation that has to do with a personal shaping.
• The Edge: It needs a good balance between endless, aimless training and seductive goals. It is not a question of either-or, but of both-and.

Conclusion

George Leonard’s book “Mastery” is, in my eyes, a reminder that continuous practice is necessary, especially during long dry spells.

When obstacles arise, it can be useful to look at the four types and ask yourself if you have just slipped into the pattern of the dilettante, the compulsive, or the hacker.

If so, looking at the five keys can help. Which of these keys would help to move forward in personal development.

Reference

Leonard, G. B. (1992). Mastery: The keys to long-term success and fulfillment. Plume.