As a coach, the majority of my coaching sessions with clients focus on achieving mastery in some form. Some topics are very specific, such as delivering presentations or listening. Others are broad, such as being an effective leader, communicating, or managing emotions.
What exactly does it take to achieve mastery?
It begins with clarity. Identifying the needed behaviors and actions to move toward mastery.
Be intentional and focused. It takes concentrated brain power to go against your natural tendencies due to deep pathways created in the brain. You must be focused in your actions.
Take risks. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable as you move toward mastery. Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone to experience new behaviors, actions, and interactions.
Embrace change. Keep your eye on the prize. In Situational Leadership® II we teach that being new to a task or goal requires extra time and effort; but as you progress and gain mastery, it becomes easier and easier as new natural tendencies are formed.
Learn from setbacks. Recognize that you will experience setbacks and what even feels like failure at times. The key is to learn from these challenges and to see them as learning opportunities that lead to mastery.
Be open to learn. An open mind sparks the creation of new pathways in the brain. Be open to making changes when needed based on experiences. Mastery is a journey!
I’ve made a commitment to myself for 2018 to do what it takes to achieve mastery in public speaking. I am confident speaking one on one, but I want to also be confident in front of a group. I have already committed to several speaking opportunities this year. Yes, I am nervous, anxious, and excited. But I want to achieve mastery for professional growth.
Repetition is the key. It will take time and dedication to achieve mastery. It will be uncomfortable. But I believe in myself!
Join me and shake it up to achieve mastery!
About the Author
Terry Watkins is a coaching solutions partner with The Ken Blanchard Companies Coaching Services team. Since 2000, Blanchard’s 150 coaches have worked with over 14,500 individuals in more than 250 companies throughout the world. Learn more at Blanchard Coaching Services.
Do you know how can I become a Blanchard Coach (in spanish)???
Thanks a lot..
Reblogged this on Gr8fullsoul.
Thanks Terry for those great points around mastery. I agree clarity is important. I heard someone say “how can you hit a target if you don’t know what the target is!”