If you are a good at something you practice until you get it
right. But, when you choose to master it, you practice until you can't get
it wrong. With this mindset, and yes it is a mindset, you will
undoubtedly realize a level of mastery above those unwilling to take their
craft seriously if you choose to act. Everyone has the ability to take their
talent(s) to awe inspiring levels if the choice is made to practice until that
desired level becomes second nature.
In the movie Troy (2004) Achilles is
asked by Briseis, "what do you want here in Troy, you didn't come here for
the Spartan queen? He boldly and courageously answered, "I want what all men want. I
just want it more." The
way he thinks, the way he acts, the way he fights, and the disregard of
opinions from others exemplify how bad he wants to be legendary. His attitude
is that of one who goes out and happens to life rather than sit back and
let life happen to him. His motivation is not fleeting, ending when the
Spartan queen is captured like most of the men there in battle. His creed is
eternal, enduring, and unbreakable in the midst of outside circumstances.
With that, his moves on the battle field are flawless. Besides the
Achilles heel (yes, this is where the name came from) there was no other signs
of weakness. He was a formidable opponent and to get to that point it takes a
never-ending practice both mentally and physically.
When the Lakers lost to the Heat in a
seemingly meaningless 2011 regular season game, Kobe Bryant stayed on the court
for another hour and a half working on his game. He dropped twenty-four
points but was outplayed in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. To
him the loss was unacceptable. He was quoted to say when asked why, after
the hour and a half workout session on Miami's home floor, "I want what all men want. I
just want it more." He
was willing to do more and be more in order to have more. Perfect
practice always precedes the highest level of your defined success.
Practice ceaselessly. You will frequently hear me saying, "constantly beat on you
craft." I was an
athlete turned writer so now I must continuously write. It is up to me to
elevate my game and practice, practice, practice. It starts with mindset and mental
toughness. To force myself to write even when I don't feel like it. To let it
become part of my everyday lifestyle and an extension of who I am now.
Achilles had the right mindset. Kobe has the right mindset. I have
the right mindset and so do you. What time's practice start?
Author: D.J. Burns
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