Loving the Plateau
The Expert's Perspective
To the untrained eye, it might seem like experts are just going through the motions, their actions appearing coarse and repetitive. However, upon closer inspection, a world of nuance and refinement unfolds, revealing the true depth of their craft.
Experts have learned to love the plateau – that seemingly stagnant period where progress appears imperceptible. They understand that mastery lies not in the pursuit of constant breakthroughs but in the unwavering commitment to honing the fundamental building blocks of their skills.
The Value of Small Things
It's the small things, well-thought-out and meticulously executed, that matter the most. Experts don't seek external validation; their game is an internal one, driven by self-awareness and an unwavering belief in the necessity of the plateau.
The beauty of the plateau lies in its ability to strip away the urgency and the need for speed. Experts recognize that speed is not always the most crucial factor. They understand that learning a complicated new framework might not be relevant beyond the first year, and they adjust their priorities accordingly.
Breaking Down the Skill
Experts deconstruct their skills into components: short-term memory, muscle memory, communication, context switching, setting up dominoes to ensure seamless resumption, journaling, efficient learning, investing in the right technologies, maintaining daily practice, finding information, killing distractions, caring for posture, ergonomics, wrists, health, and using time effectively.
They know themselves intimately, understanding the importance of walks, showers, and even the most mundane activities in their pursuit of mastery.
Incremental Improvement
Experts seek marginal improvements in all areas, understanding that radical breakthroughs are rare. They recognize that these incremental improvements, when combined, create a synergistic effect, propelling them towards ever-greater heights of mastery.
They know that these areas will fit together, forming a cohesive whole, a tapestry of expertise woven from the threads of patience, dedication, and an unwavering love for the plateau.
In the end, loving the plateau is not just a mindset; it's a celebration of the journey, a recognition that true mastery lies not in the destination but in the unwavering commitment to the path itself.