Neural Pathways to Mastery

Too often, we compare ourselves to the people that have already mastered a skillset. We tell ourselves "we’ll never get there", or "we'll never be that great." What we don't realize is that the people we compare ourselves to also started from the beginning. They increased their knowledge by practicing each skill along the way. 

The first time we do something is always the hardest. Even the second time can be equally as difficult as we are still learning.

Here is what is happening in our brain when we learn something new: 

Everything new that we learn creates a neural pathway in our brain. As we practice it becomes deeper, eventually creating a new skill or habit. 

The first time we attempt a skill there is no path, like an overgrown forest. We are basically taking a machete to that forest and clearing a new path. It's painful, it's frustrating, it's overwhelming, and it's hard. 

In the second attempt, there is still brush that needs to be cleared out. Although it's a little less dense, it is not yet an easy, walkable path.

As we continue to practice this new skill it becomes easier and that path to mastery becomes more attainable. Eventually, this path becomes more like a slip & slide because you have mastered the skill.

To master any skill, you have to start... and keep practicing. 

Before we compare ourselves to others, remember that they have already taken that machete and cleared a pathway to mastery. By starting and taking continued action, you too will get there. 

Don’t compare yourself to how great you think other people are dong. Just start and focus on how great you will be.