Sam Sulek, Michael Jordan, and Matteo Mancuso walk into a bar

Immersion is the key to mastery.

You have to be autistic about something to master it.

For me it’s been guitar, banjo, bass, working out, clear thinking, charisma, writing, and business.

I would practice banjo and guitar at least 12 hours a day between the ages of 14-17.

Now, it's working out and writing.

Which feeds into clearer thinking and world-class business sense.

2 things I'm intent on mastering.

When you have mastery, you bring a Sam Sulek energy to everything.

He very clearly articulates what and why he is doing everything.

This brings a deep thoughtfulness and an indicated mastery of whatever the thing is.

Which attracts people (see Sam's millions of fans) and opportunities.

Sounds great right?

So why don't more people master something, anything?

Simple.

The don't start.

And this is the key. The obligatory first step that eludes most.

Don't take my word for it.

Listen to Matteo Mancuso, who shaping up to be the most important guitar player in recent generations:

"People think that before actually improvising (that they) need to know all the scales, all the arpeggios, and all the information available about about the guitar (before starting), you know. But it's not true. I found myself in this Loop a little bit especially when I was starting. (I thought I) needed to know everything about the guitar and the fretboard but, the the fastest way to improve at improvising is just to let it go and let your intuition be your guide." Matteo Mancuso

Replace improvisation here with anything skill you are "trying to learn."

You don't have to consume any more knowledge.

Perfection is the enemy of progress.

I promise you already have enough information to start.

And anything you don't know, you'll figure out along the way.

Mastery is 100x quicker this way.

So, the tactical tip?

Pick a skill, practice for 100 minutes a day, 100 days in a row.

And just start.

Make each year the “The Jordan Year.”

Triple down on skills that have worked for you, and achieve a level of mastery that is reminiscent of Michael Jordan during the peak of his career.

And choose goals for each skill. When you are picking, emphasize mastery goals (i.e., learn how to cook more macro-friendly dinners) over performance goals (i.e., place in the top 3 at a local cooking competition).

Life is too short not to go into full blown psycho-mode.

Now put your head down, and work!

Happy Friday,

Swanagan