In this post, we’ll unpack all you need to know about mastery, defining exactly what it is, the 3 levels and what they involve, why it’s about the journey and not the destination and more.
What Is Mastery?
Mastery refers to the point at which an individual has gained a complete understanding of a specific outcome and can consistently execute it.
What Are The 3 Levels Of Mastery?
There are 3 levels of mastery. They are Mental, Emotional and Physical. Everyone must go through these three levels in order to master any outcome.
- Level 1: Mental
The first level is where we internalise the outcome mentally.
This is the period where you take the time to obtain knowledge about the outcome. You know what you want and you know what you need to do to get it. However, knowing is not enough.
“Knowledge is only potential power.”
- Level 2: Emotional
The second level is where we internalise the outcome emotionally.
This is the period where you link pain and pleasure to your actions which drives you towards your desired outcome. You act on what you know instead of just knowing it. The more you apply your knowledge, the more it becomes a part of you.
“Applied knowledge is power.”
- Level 3: Physical
The third level is where we internalise the outcome physically.
This is the period where you now fully embody the outcome. You have applied what you have learnt with enough repetition and enough emotion that it is now a habit. It’s automatic. You do it without even thinking.
“Mastery is not a function of genius or talent. It is a function of time and intense focus applied to a particular field of knowledge.” ― Robert Greene
It’s A Journey, Not A Destination
Since there is always another level to learn, mastery actually means you’re a master of what you do know and an apprentice of what you don’t know. Hence, it is a journey, not a destination.
Summary (TL;DR)
Mastery is the point at which an individual has gained a complete understanding of a specific outcome and can consistently execute it.
In order to gain mastery over something, there is a specific process which involves three levels that everyone must go through. They are Mental, Emotional and Physical.
Mental Mastery is attained by gaining a deep understanding of what we want and what we need to do to get it. Emotional Mastery is attained by applying what we know. Physical Mastery is attained through continual reinforcement to the point where it becomes a habit.
