Mastery doesn’t come from talent. It comes from learning.
If you think you’ve got it all figured out – whether it’s in business or some other area of your life – that’s where you’re wrong. Let’s talk about how to get great at something, how to truly excel. This idea has fascinated me for a long time, and I have a feeling it fascinates you, too.
If you’re following along with me, I know you want to get better, not just as an entrepreneur, but in every area of your life.
What I’m about to share today will inspire you to go beyond just business.
I’ve been skiing for over 40 years. You’d think that after all that time, I’d have mastered it, right?
Some might even call me an expert. I can handle black diamonds, double blacks, steep slopes, and tree runs. But despite all that experience, I wasn’t great just a few years ago. I was a really good intermediate skier, but I knew there was more room for growth.
And then I made a decision that changed everything.
I started taking ski lessons again. I went back to learning from scratch. And guess what?
I started to get a lot better. This one simple decision – to embrace learning from an expert – completely transformed how I approached not just skiing, but life in general.
Going Back to the Basics
Every year now, I take lessons regularly throughout the ski season. Sometimes my friends ask me, “Why are you still taking lessons? What are you learning?”
And my answer is always the same – I’m going back to the basics. Things like:
- How to shape my turns
- Where to position myself on my skis
- How to use my edges correctly
- Where and how to plant my poles
And most importantly, learning how to avoid my biggest pitfall – getting into the backseat when things get steep and challenging.
It’s amazing how much better you get when you consciously work on improving and learn from an expert. There’s no magic formula or quick fix. It’s about doing the work, showing up consistently, and having the humility to keep learning.
The Trap of Comparing Yourself to Others
During one of my lessons, I was skiing with a small group of people who were all really solid skiers. But one of them kept getting down on himself because he wasn’t as good as the instructor.
Every time the instructor demonstrated a skill, this guy would talk about how he wasn’t as good – and it almost seemed to depress him.
And I was thinking, “How can you expect to be as good as someone who’s spent decades mastering this?”
The instructor has spent years racing, training, and teaching. If you want to reach that level, you’ve got to put in the time, just like he did.
Here’s the takeaway: comparing yourself to someone far ahead of you is a trap. It’s not about jumping from where you are to being amazing overnight.
It takes conscious effort and time to get better. Instead of feeling discouraged, be grateful that there are people out there who can teach you and help you along your path.
Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset
If you’re starting out in anything, whether it’s in business or another area of life, don’t let the fact that others are ahead of you bring you down.
We’re living in a time where it’s easier than ever to get good at something. The tools, the training, the resources available today – they’re incredible compared to even 10 or 20 years ago.
If you’re starting an online business, for example, the tech is easier, the tools are better, and there’s more coaching and training available than ever before. It’s an amazing time to be a beginner, and that’s something to embrace.
Why I Still Take Lessons (And Why You Should Too)
So why do I keep taking lessons, even though I’m a solid skier?
Because I love learning. I love getting better. There’s just so much value and fun in figuring things out and seeing real progress.
But beyond that, I’ve learned to embrace what’s known as the “beginner’s mindset.” There’s something incredibly powerful about stepping back and approaching something as if you’re new to it, even after years of experience. That acceleration you feel when you start improving again is priceless.
And if you’re in the business of teaching, coaching, or consulting like I am, this growth mindset is essential. When you teach others, it’s so easy to forget what it’s like to be a student. But by stepping back and putting yourself in the position of a beginner, you become a better teacher.
You remember what it’s like to learn, and that makes you far more effective in helping others.
The Bottom Line
When I let go of thinking I had it all figured out and returned to the basics, everything changed.
Growth doesn’t happen in one giant leap. It’s about consistently showing up, learning from those ahead of you, and staying open to improvement.
If you want to go from good to great, this shift is non-negotiable. Keep learning, stay humble, and always seek ways to refine your craft – whether in business, sports, or any other pursuit. That’s how lasting success is built.
If you’re ready to stop thinking you’ve got it all figured out and start learning from the ground up, I’ve got something for you. Enter your best email now and I’ll send you instant access to Launch Quickstart – my FREE training to build a business you love.
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