How do we become Masters and experts at something we want? Would you act or behave differently if you knew you had everything you needed to be successful but just needed practice?
So the story goes like this: I realize that through my experience being a new mom I have come to realize my confidence sways – sometimes I feel the motherly instinct and sometimes I am not sure what to do at all. So I dial my mother master to help with my challenge. Conversation goes like this: " Mom I can't get him to stop crying – well did you check his diaper? " Um no. I can’t get him to eat – Did you try to feed him in different places –bouncer, swing ? - um let me try and do that. " Ok basic stuff right. Then I get sick and she has to come and rescue me because I am not even sure I can care for myself much less my little baby. Well many of you may not know my mother but she is known to get things done. When it comes to babies she has this very matter of fact attitude, assertiveness and she oozes confidence.
What is it? I need what she has? Maybe it is hereditary but I’m not feeling it. I know this is me being impatient again. I want to be where she is now. Then I watch her : She feeds Alex - he eats all his food happily. He then sleeps without force. Then she makes me homemade chicken soup, after thoroughly cleaning my kitchen – all in less than 3 hours. This may have taken me all day.
As I observed her I can’t help but to think about energy and Law of Attraction LOA –she is confident, very matter of fact and naturally pleases Alex while nurturing him. I decide to start practicing this: First I dissolve my belief that I am not doing a good job then I will move onto:
1) Focus on my energy
2) Lean into my confidence without pressure
3) Allow myself to be imperfect and do a poor job
Why am I bringing this up? Are we taking this approach when it comes to building our businesses? Then I remember something Martha Beck wrote:
"Some psychologists believe that no one is born with any particular talent and that all skill is gained through practice. Studies have shown that masters are simply people who've practiced a skill intensely for 10,000 hours or more. That requires loving -- not liking, loving -- what you do. If you really want to excel, go where you're passionate enough to practice."
I admire my mother so much because she has practiced millions of hours being a mom for her three children and three grandchildren. More importantly she loves what she does because her passion lies in her family. Period. That is what makes her a master -loving what she does + 10,000 hours.
So as I continue to transition into being a mom I realize I have so many more hours to earn and to remember to do this with love. Not with comparison and not with force. Now I will also use this practice when it comes to growing my business as an entrepreneur. Being a master at creating a business is what I will practice and earn badges for – because I love it, it excites me, it challenges me. With all my heart - I will also enjoy mastering motherhood because of my love for Alex – one step at a time and not force myself into mastery without the practice.
And so now I must ask you. What are you forcing yourself to master without the practice?
