In life, the most rewarding and fulfilling pursuit is the mastery of a skill. This journey is not about being a jack of all trades but about focusing deeply on one discipline, gaining intimate knowledge, and working tirelessly at it.

As Jerry Seinfeld, one of my favourite comedians, once said,

“The only thing in life that’s really worth having is good skill. Good skill is the greatest possession. I know a lot of rich people, They don’t feel good, as you think they should and would. They’re miserable. Because, if they don’t master a skill, life is unfulfilling.”

Seinfeld’s reflection on the importance of skill mastery was influenced by an article published in Esquire Magazine decades ago. Here are my 5 takeaways from the article:

1. Guidance from the Masters

The first step on the path to mastery is finding the right instruction. This involves seeking out a mentor, teacher, or accountability partner who has deep knowledge of your chosen field. Their guidance and feedback are invaluable as you begin your journey. The article emphasized that “We learn fastest when we get responses.” This is very true; having someone experienced to provide insights and corrections helps accelerate our learning process.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna serves as a mentor to Arjun, guiding him through his doubts and fears on the battlefield. Having a mentor can help us navigate the complexities of our chosen discipline, providing clarity and direction when we need it most.

2. Sacrifice and Persistence: True Committment

Surrendering means acknowledging that where we are now is not where we want to be in the long run. Mastery requires sacrifice and a relentless pursuit of our new endeavor. There will be life tradeoffs, but this surrender is essential for growth. It’s about letting go of our current state to embrace the journey ahead, even if it means making significant sacrifices.

In the Ramayan, Shri Ram exemplifies surrender and dedication to his dharma (duty). Despite facing numerous challenges and sacrifices, he stays true to his path. This teaches us that to achieve mastery, we must be willing to make sacrifices and stay committed to our goals, duties and responsibilities.

3. The Repetition Revolution

It may sound obvious, but repetition or practice is crucial. Improving at anything requires actual, hands-on experience. By gaining relevant experience, learning from failures, and applying newfound knowledge, we can strategically get better. The key is to practice consistently and persistently, repeating till mastery.

The story of Ekalavya from the Mahabharat is a perfect example of Repetition. Despite being denied formal instruction and teaching from Dronacharya, Ekalavya practiced diligently, ultimately becoming an exceptional archer. His story highlights the power of dedication and practice in achieving mastery.

4. The Mental Game: Consistency and Resolve

Mastery demands not just physical practice but also mental discipline. It requires us to develop internal courage and the resolve to stay the course when adversity and setbacks inevitably arise. Consistency often matters more than intensity, and our ability to make gradual progress even on our bad days is paramount.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of a steady mind and unwavering focus. This wisdom applies to our pursuit of mastery as well. The ability to maintain mental discipline and stay committed, despite challenges, is crucial for long-term success.

5. Pushing Boundaries: The Art of Going Beyond

Esquire called this “a deliberate negotiation with your abilities. It is an exercise in controlled abandon.” In essence, it’s about pushing ourselves a little beyond what we think we are capable of, day after day. This constant effort to extend our limits helps us grow and evolve in our chosen field.

In the Mahabharat, Arjun continually pushed the boundaries of his abilities, whether it was mastering new weapons or strategizing in battle. This relentless pursuit of improvement and his willingness to play the edge contributed to his success as a warrior.

The Importance of Focus and Dedication

In today’s competitive world, distinguishing ourselves is rarely about becoming generalists who follow the masses. Instead, it’s about narrowing our focus, cultivating intimate knowledge, and working tirelessly at our craft, even when others might quit. Seinfeld’s advice to “pursue mastery” resonates deeply. It reminds us that true fulfillment comes from dedicating ourselves to a discipline and striving for excellence.

The teachings from ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata reinforce this message. They illustrate the value of focus, dedication, and relentless pursuit of our goals. Whether it’s Shri Krishna guiding Arjun, Shri Ram staying true to his dharma, or Ekalavya’s unwavering practice, these stories inspire us to commit fully to our journey of mastery.

Walking the Road Towards Mastery: My Side 

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how essential some of these principles are becoming part of my life. There have been countless times when I felt like giving up, when the road seemed too long and the obstacles too numerous. But each time, the wisdom of focusing on skill mastery and the scriptures teachings are helping me to stay the course.

These days when I am spending my efforts in learning a new skill, I seek guidance from mentors who had already walked the path via their videos or podcasts or books. Their insights and feedback have been invaluable, helping me avoid common pitfalls and accelerate my progress. This aligns well with the first principle of Guidance from Masters.

Surrendering to the process is another crucial step. I am acceptable to fact that I am not where I want to be, and that getting there would require sacrifices. I try to spend some time alone over weekends, giving up on social events, and sometimes feeling isolated. But the goals to do things keeps me going on, reminding me that these sacrifices I am making temporarily can turn into essentials for long-term success.

Practice is becoming a daily ritual. I try my best to get immersed in the activity, learning from each failure and celebrating small victories. This hands-on experience is crucial, as consistent effort leads to significant improvements over time.

Maintaining mental discipline is perhaps the toughest part. There are days when progress seems slow, and self-doubt creeps in. But I am learning to keep my focus on the bigger picture.

Finally, playing the edge pushes me beyond my comfort zone. I continually challenge myself to do a little more than I think is possible. This relentless pursuit of improvement mirrors the spirit of the warriors and sages in our ancient texts, who never settled for mediocrity.

The Journey Continues: Embracing Mastery

Mastery is not a destination but a continuous journey. It requires dedication, focus, and an unwavering commitment to growth. By following the principles of instruction, surrender, practice, mental discipline, and playing the edge, we can navigate this journey more effectively.

The wisdom from the scriptures, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata provides timeless guidance, reminding us that true fulfilment comes from striving for excellence in our chosen field. As Seinfeld wisely said, “Pursue mastery. That will fulfill your life. You will feel good.”

Embracing these principles are not only helping me grow in my discipline but is also enriching my life in ways I never imagined. I hope that with these insights, you too will be inspired to pursue mastery in your own life. Always keep this one thing in mind, it’s not about being the best; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. And that journey is the most rewarding of all.