Chapter 8 – Becoming a Master Student

What does mastery mean?

• Mastery means a level of skill that goes beyond techniques. Work is effortless!
• Master is fully in control; does things without instruction, without lectures, without books, without conscious effort, and without fear.
• Mastery cannot be taught.
• It can only be learned and experienced

Qualities of a Master Student

• Inquisitive – curious about anything
• Competent – cares for learning
• Focused attention
• Self-directed
• Self-aware
• Courageous
• Generalist
• Willing to be uncomfortable
• Team player
• Organized
• Responsible – does not blame others
• Optimistic – problems are temporary

The Master Student Process

• To develop the qualities of a Master Student:
• Discovery
  • To gain awareness of where you are; to gain insight about your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors:
    • Tell the truth about yourself; who you are and what you want to become
    • Listen to your inner voice
    • Be kind to yourself
• Intention
  • Your commitment to take action; how you will make changes
  • Blueprints for actions
    • Be specific with your intentions
    • Make intentions small & achievable
    • Set timelines
    • Reward yourself; success breeds success because it feels good!
• Action
  • Life responds to what you do; if you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.
    • Move into action
    • Welcome discomfort; instead of going back to your old behaviors, befriend the yucky feelings.
    • Take baby steps
    • Revise your Intention if you are not on-track
    • Do not expect new results from old behaviors

Keep the Process Alive

• Practicing the process is what keeps it alive.
• Remember the first word in the title of the presentation; becoming.
• This word implies that Mastery is not a final goal.
• Rather, Mastery is a continuous process.