Mastering Your Craft: The Power of Small, Consistent Efforts Our Best Self

"Mastering Your Craft: The Power of Small, Consistent Efforts"
Are you striving to become a better artist, accelerate your professional growth, or attain expertise? Often, there's a common misconception that 'more' equals 'better.' However, this notion can be both right and wrong. The challenge lies in choosing the right approach.
Consider this scenario: whether you're making flavored syrups for coffee or honing your drawing skills, you face two choices. You can either create large batches (1 10-20oz) of syrup or complete one full drawing a week. Alternatively, you can opt for smaller batches (5-10 2oz) of syrup or sketch 10 times a week. Both options require a similar amount of time, but the latter provides a 10-fold increase in output.
The allure of 'larger is better' is understandable. It's simpler, a single effort, and it feels satisfying to accomplish significant tasks. However, this can be a trap. While you may create more massive things, it doesn't necessarily translate to improvement or mastery. You've done it just once.
In contrast, pursuing more frequent, smaller efforts yields remarkable benefits. If you engage in 5-10 batches or attempts in a week instead of just one, you learn with each iteration. The risk remains low, allowing you to experiment and try new methods. Moreover, you accumulate valuable experience with each repetition, be it in syrup making or sketching.
The mathematics are clear: small batches or efforts grant you 5-10 repetitions weekly, while larger efforts yield just one. This means that what you learn in one week through small, consistent work would take the 'larger is better' crowd 5-10 weeks to achieve.
Embrace a new mindset that entrusts your growth to:
Small, quick efforts for better results. More repetitions for accelerated learning and bending time. Learning from each iteration for continuous improvement. Failing small to avoid long-term harm. Prioritizing quality in each effort, as it leads to the desired growth. Acknowledging that there are no shortcuts. Apply this mindset across your life, passions, and profession. Experiment, tinker, learn, explore, adapt, and grow. Remember, it's all about having fun while becoming the best version of yourself.
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About the author:

 

I have 30+ years in technology. Building companies. Running global services teams. Consumer and business direct customers. I have led cybersecurity compliance, standards, security, consulting, and product teams.

My global work and deep research and experiences I draw on to share ways I and you can become our best self. These are meant to reflect the ups and downs of life.

I am always at the tip of the spear in technology and will certainly share that as they are valuable ideas.

Finally, my efforts are devoted to the following. Welcome others always in these journeys to do good work:

- Dad and Husband - Cybersecurity innovation and AI product innovations

- Bottling and operating coffee craft shops

- Charity programs around kids with behaviors and organic farming

- Regenerative farming, cattle, and vertical farm greenhouses

- Fitness (coached 1,000+ athletes), and how we can live well

 

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Checkout the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16AGBV32xPuT81u16XUWCs?si=12a7b9cfea31480c

Prefer reading the full essays: https://stepstobestself.substack.com/

 

Professional inquiries on LinkedIN please: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeluccia/

Interactions and discussions on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JDeLuccia

 

Things we dive into will reflect what I've learned in life; what my current research reveals, and lessons from my businesses and mentor programs. Adopt what serves you and pass along anything you enjoyed.

 

Trying to better the world through these stages.

 

Wishing you an amazing day!

 

- Ji