How can I master a skill, and why is it important for someone to learn a skill?
Tags: Growth Mindset, Growth, Development, Skills, Personal Development

If you really want to learn the value of something, start with the WHY.

Why is it important to learn a skill?

Because when you do, several things happen. You gain the ability to do something well because you practice it many, many times. You also achieve a level of expertise in a particular field of knowledge you’ve identified as important to you. And, you have the ability to use that knowledge effectively in whatever you choose to do.

Sounds empowering, doesn’t it? Besides, who wouldn’t want to get better at something?

Most people do, but not everybody knows how to actually master a specific skill. The good news is this — there are others, many others, who have already figured out the how. All you have to do is recall the names of people throughout history, or people in the news, or people who are extraordinary achievers and thought leaders in your own community. You’ll notice specific patterns in how they achieved what they did. Athletes like Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth, artists like Picasso and Rembrandt, scientists like Einstein and Nikola Tesla, tech giants like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, writers like Dostoyevsky and Hemingway — they all have figured out the HOW part of this equation.

Specifically, here’s what makes them skill masters.

#1. They’re extremely goal-oriented.

Having a specific goal, or several of them, is one of the most critical factors that can drive you towards success in building a skill. When you have a goal you’re working towards, everything you do in your daily life has a greater sense of purpose. Every action then adds up to something much bigger.

How do you achieve this?

Make sure your goal is specific. For example, don’t just say that you want to get a job, be fit, have a large salary, or drive a fast car. That’s far too vague. Instead, focus on the details. For example, if you’re starting a job search, write down that you want to get a job offer for the position of _____ that pays an annual salary of _____ so that you can develop ______ skills that will advance your career.

Make every day count towards achieving that goal. How can you be motivated to do anything if you don’t believe it matters in the long run? Start our day with this question: what is the ONE THING I am committed to completing today? Asking the question forces you to prioritize, helps your brain focus better, and streamlines the work you need to do so you don’t feel overwhelmed, and can focus better on what is most important to you.

#2. They’ve figured out a strategy for building skills.

Of course, goals are important if you want to achieve excellence, but so is developing your strategy. This just means that, as you’re focusing on what you want to do right now, you’re always keeping your eye on at least two steps ahead.

How do you achieve this?

Consider different options. Maybe it’s not just having a plan, maybe it’s also having a plan B. And a plan C. Cover all the bases and look at your goal from different angles so you can assess its size, complexity, and entry points.

Don’t focus on achieving short-term success today. It may feel great right now, but how will you feel about it tomorrow and the day after, and after five years? Increase your awareness of the consequences of your actions, and consider the benefits of your actions in the long run.

Don’t think only of who you are right now. Whether you’re 25, 55, or 85, as long as you’re on this planet you’re still growing and changing and becoming. To focus on that future version of you, try adopting a different mindset by thinking about who you want to be tomorrow, next year, and beyond. By being strategic you will empower yourself to work on achieving long-term results so your future self can benefit from them.

#3. They’ve identified their core skill set.

You can’t achieve excellence in anything without a required skill set in your field of work, regardless of whether it’s studying for a PhD in artificial intelligence, training to be a martial arts instructor, or mastering Python. That’s why your first step should be knowing what skills you need and how you need to develop them.

How do you achieve this?

Identify which skills are necessary to succeed in your current job — or the job you want. Brainstorm and then write down a list of all the skills you need. Don’t only think about building hard skills, but soft skills too.

Work on the skills you’ve identified. Start with skills you think will be most valuable to you, then create a plan to devote a certain amount of time each day, even if that means only 15 minutes in the beginning.

Practice each skill consistently. It’s not only about the numbers and how many hours you put in; it’s also about what you do during that time. For example, are you doing deep work? Deep work is focusing without interruptions on something that takes a lot of analytical thinking, and it is essential to mastering the skills you’re working on.

#4. They’ve been busy creating an original solution to a problem.

As we remember experts like Picasso and Einstein, it’s important to know that being the best doesn’t necessarily mean imitating what other people say or do, even if they’re successful. It’s your unique contribution that will make a difference. That’s why it’s important to consider what can set you apart from others.

How do you achieve this?

Think about what makes your work stand out. For example, how is it unique and in what way is it different from the work of other people in your field or line of work? And if it isn’t, think of ways in which you can make it more unique.

Consider if there’s a problem you’ve solved that other people might benefit from. If you can’t answer this question, it’s time to think about ways in which you can help others to get something done or overcome a particular challenge. That’s where your individual contribution can matter the most.

Identify areas that may need improvement. It could mean moving from beginner to an intermediate level of training, or changing your learning approach as you tackle a difficult mental task. Create a specific plan to make progress in that area and find a way to measure your success.

#5. They possess a strong belief in themselves and what is possible to do.

You may think (as most people do) that it’s critical for other people to believe in you so you can achieve success. But it’s actually the opposite: what’s important is you believing in yourself. While it may seem obvious, it’s often a challenge to believe in yourself. Why? Perhaps because we know ourselves best, or because we are our biggest critic. It doesn’t have to be that way. You can actively work on shifting your mindset a little bit each day.

How do you achieve this?

Develop a growth mindset. Stop telling yourself, and don’t allow others to tell you, what you “should” excel at and what you “should” give up. It’s likely that you’ve been conditioned to think this way from an early age. Expand the way you see yourself — grow your mindset.

Strengthen your critical-thinking muscle. This means not taking everything you see and hear for granted, but learning how to think on your own. Take action so that you can develop your critical thinking skills every day.

Turn obstacles into opportunities. Instead of getting emotional when you experience a setback, work through the challenge so you can get stronger mentally. You can practice Stoic habits to strengthen your belief in yourself and what you can — and want — to do.