I really enjoyed the first part of the book Mastery by George Leanard. He starts out by sharing a quote from his 1987 article in Esquire magazine, "the mysterious process during which what is at first difficult becomes progressively easier and more pleasurable through practice." (pg. xi)The idea behind this book is to persevere. We cannot have a quick over night road to success, anything that we want to accomplish is going to take work, lots of hard work. The idea is, to not look at it as work to get to where or what we want. But to enjoy the journey just as much as the outcome.
George talks about our nations problem with quick fixes and instant climaxes. This mindset makes us focus so much on the future rather then enjoying the present. I try really hard to apply this to my life, especially as a mother. Those days when it's just long and hard, kids being out of control, the house a mess, burnt dinner etc. I try to remember how blessed I am, remember my kids are only little once, having an impromptu fire drill makes memories and life is just plain good! The author states, "people who love the plateau, life for these people is especially vivid and satisfying." (pg 44)
Later George explains the face of mastery. Often we see photographs of the ultimate high or ultimate low. The winning shot, or the devastating loss - both extremes. However, he says, "mastery's true face is relaxed and serene, sometimes faintly smiling." (pg. 47) Again, it's not the climax that makes us a master, it's enjoying what we are doing! "See it, hear it, smell it, feel it. To love the plateau is to love the eternal now, to enjoy the inevitable spurts of progress and the fruits of accomplishment." (pg. 48)
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