The Value of Mastery: Turning Hard Things Into Opportunity

There’s a common saying that goes something like this…

If it’s easy, everyone will do it.

If it’s hard, few will do it.

To extend the statement further and extrapolate it’s full truth, I added my own twist…

If you put consistent action towards hard things, it will become eas[ier].

If it’s easy for you and hard for others: this is where you’ll find your opportunity.

This statement underscores a crucial principle for success and opportunity: the value of mastering difficult tasks.

By consistently applying effort toward challenging endeavors, you not only make these tasks easier for yourself over time, but you also carve out unique opportunities that others might overlook.

Struggle First

Every skill or task that seems insurmountable at first becomes manageable through practice. This principle applies to learning a new language, mastering a skill, or excelling in a professional domain.

When you first start, it’s tough, it might even suck.

Mistakes are frequent, progress seems slow, and the effort (which might be inefficient) can be frustrating.

However, with each attempt, you improve.

The task that once seemed unfeasible gradually becomes second nature.

This transformation is the essence of mastery.

Consider the example of learning Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). For many, the initial stages of understanding this martial art are daunting. The complex techniques, physical conditioning, and strategic thinking required can be overwhelming. However, through consistent practice, these aspects become more intuitive. What was once a source of frustration evolves into a powerful skill set. As you reach a level of proficiency where Jiu Jitsu is easy for you but remains challenging for others, new doors of opportunity open.

Differentiation = Consistent Action

Consistency is the bedrock of mastery.

Malcolm Gladwell, in his book "Outliers," popularized the idea that achieving mastery in any field typically requires around 10,000 hours of practice. While the exact number may vary, the underlying message is clear: consistent, deliberate practice is essential to become exceptionally good at something.

When you put consistent action toward hard things, not only do you improve, but you also set yourself apart.

In a world where instant gratification often prevails, those who persistently work through challenges develop a distinct and unique edge.

This differentiation creates a competitive advantage in both personal and professional realms.

This process ALSO creates a blueprint for you to apply to other skills or endeavors.

The Further, The Better

When you reach a point where what is hard for others becomes easy for you, you unlock unique opportunities. This principle applies across fields of entrepreneurship, sports, and the arts.

Your expertise allows you to solve problems, offer insights, and provide value that others cannot.

However, the value of this continues to grow as you go further down the path of mastery, being exponentially more valuable at the utmost elite level (in nearly every domain).

In my early professional career I was an IT Recruiter. I would work with companies to find qualified candidates for various IT positions.

An evident example of this theory can be displayed in this field.

Say you learn how to code (from schooling or own your own). As soon as you become a competent coder, tons of high-paying jobs become readily available. However, as you continue down the path of mastery and develop your coding skills — perhaps learning more complex languages and syntaxes — new jobs that require these individualized skills now become available.

The value of that process is reflective of the compensation granted to these coders due to the limited number of people that possess these skills.

Learning how to code is hard.

Learning how to code different languages, in different environments, for different applications — is even harder.

That brings us back to the start…

If it’s easy, everyone will do it; if it’s hard, few will do it.

By putting consistent action towards hard things, you make them easier for yourself and open doors to unique opportunities.

Opportunities are created, through action and ownership (they aren't based on luck).

Opportunities are about facing challenges and not giving up.

The process of mastery not only makes the difficult easy but also differentiates you from the crowd.

Therefore, the value of everything comes from the process.

Own it.

Own the Process, 

Tim 

Author of Mastery Monday

Student & Founder