Master through repetition

They say the formula for success is talent+hard work+luck. They forgot a major piece: repetition. This is why I live by the famous quote from ET, “practice makes permanence.” The most successful people do it until they can’t get it wrong. 


When you continue to repeat the same process, you create grooves in your brain literally ingraining the skill into your subconscious. The skill then turns from conscious effort into automation. This is what will set you apart from the rest.


Consider Kobe Bryant for a second. Kobe in my opinion, is the greatest basketball player to touch the court of basketball. And it was about more than statistics or the eye test. Kobe had the perfect mindset for success and killer instinct that no other basketball player had ever. And it was all because of hard work. 


Michael Jackson used to rehearse his dance moves and singing for 18 hours per day. If you are following the 10,000 hour rule, Michael would have mastered dancing and singing in a little less than 2 years. And he became the king of pop.


Bill Gates worked 10,000 plus hours of programming before he founded Microsoft. He didn’t just wake up and be a billionaire and one of the world’s most wealthiest men. 


All of these guys were able to master their craft and gain other benefits of repetition. Such as growing more neural pathways through a process called neuroplasticity. This is how Kobe was able to take the final shot so many times and not feel nervous because he did this same shout over 10,000 times.


Mastering a skill also builds confidence. Michael Jackson can get on stage and assure his show will be amazing. Why? Because he’s done the same moves over and over again. He proved to himself that it will be a success. 


Do it over and over again until you are sure you won’t mess it up.