Week 34 - "Get good at something because it helps you with everything else" - Andrew Lokuta
In the infinite amount of things one can excel at in life, society often emphasizes a select few as truly worthwhile. Common pursuits like academics, and physical endeavors are frequently celebrated as the only endeavors worth chasing.
But an idea I’ve started to think about more is the value of trying to get good at anything. Especially that which we wouldn’t conventionally deem as worthwhile. If you can acknowledge that the age-old adage, “Success isn’t a straight line”, contains a universal truth, you’ll soon realize that the path to proficiency in anything is filled with the same peaks and valleys.
And if the path is the same no matter the endeavor, the lessons learned from the unavoidable failures and successes are transmittable across everything.
Of course, I recognize that some things are obviously more difficult to excel at than others. However, that difficulty is relative to your goal. For instance, the path to becoming exceptional at a video game is filled with the same setbacks and triumphs as excelling in a physical activity like running or lifting.
The only difference is the relative difficulty. The discomfort and pain you might feel from muscle soreness are probably worse than the feeling of losing to an online opponent. But the subsequent joy from achieving a personal record also reigns over the feeling of conquering a challenging game level.
I do believe there’s merit in the common pursuits society encourages, but I will caution against a myopic definition of what’s worthwhile. It’s not only about traditional accomplishments like academics and sports. In my opinion, trying to be good at anything trains the part of you that is engaged in any life pursuit.
So master something. Anything, really. Because getting good at anything will make you better at everything.
If you enjoy receiving and reading this series, please consider sharing it with anyone you think may be interested. I love sharing the way I think with others and would love to hear others’ opinions on my ideas. Thanks!