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BookVIM.com - Miguel Mayher wrote this review Sunday, June 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
http://www.bookvim.com/2009/06/mastery-the-keys-to-success-and-long-term-fulfillment-by-george-leonard-book-review-12/
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This book has become a classic.
And rightly so.
George Leonard draws from his mastery of Aikido to write a zen-like manual on how to master ANY skill.
If you want to get good at something, or even great - don't read this book.
However, if you really want to master your craft - then you must read this book!.
The book is divided in 3 blocks:
1)
An introduction into the most common approaches to learning a new skill: what Leonard calls the dabbler, the obsessive or the hacker.
A pointer to the solution: falling in love with "the plateau". The point of little or no progress where we spend most of our lives: practicing until you break through to the next one.
2)
He outlines 5 key steps:
1 Instruction
-Get first rate instruction. He explains how to identify the perfect teacher.
2 Practice
-This is the path. For how long? As long as you are alive.
3 Surrender
-Learning involves certain indignities, you will not look good from the get-go. Surrendering means there are no experts, only learners.
4 Intentionality
-To avoid falling into a spineless fluffy practice, you need a clear vision of where you want to get to. The mix of pouring your soul into your vision is unsurpassed.
5 The Edge
-This is where the master distantces himself from the rest. There is tinge of craziness, of unreasonableness, of dark daring in the master's performance. It may even put his life on the line, but what matters to him is living to the fullest, not counting the years.
3)
The last chapters is a "bag of tricks" to ease the journey of mastery. From how to increase your energy, overcome resitance to change (homeostasis), master the commonplace of daily life and even introduces his LET (Leonard Energy Training).
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to get seriously good at a certain skill.
And remember, any area of your life can fall into that category.
Do you want to master it or dabble it?
”
“An interesting book and perspective. This was required reading for my music composition class in college.”
Lauren D wrote this review Tuesday, April 15 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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patrocinio wrote this review Saturday, December 22 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I keep this book with me where ever I go. Whenever I find myself wandering (too far) off the path, this book helps bring me back.”
G Brett Miller wrote this review Tuesday, October 30 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Learn to love the plateau. That's where you're going to be spending most of your time as you attempt to master any discipline.”
mtharveyrunner wrote this review Saturday, September 15 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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