Mastery Through Finding Your Rhythm

Anyone who has ever shot under 90 in golf, delivered a powerful presentation, or lead a highly-effective meeting knows that ‘practice makes perfect’.

The first time they grabbed that golf club was not a pretty sight. The same goes for their first public speech or a disjointed meeting. With practice, focus, and finding your ‘rhythm,’ you can master practically anything your heart desires.

What is your ‘rhythm?’ Rhythm is developed over time. It is the direct result of having a goal and then doing what it takes to accomplish that goal so often that your heart, mind and body act in unison. You’re no longer conscious of precisely how or what you are doing. It seems effortless, yet is highly effectual.

Think of one thing you currently master. How did you get to this level of proficiency? Was it by accident? Was it by doing this task two, perhaps three times a year or more often? Did it just happen without you thinking of it over and over again, continually coming up with ways to do it better and better? What was your level of passion?

You may be saying to yourself "Yes, it takes time and patience to get better at anything." Rhythm is more than that. Rhythm takes you to a higher level. And, you don’t develop it in one week.

I have friends and clients who get excited about a new idea and try it out for a week, perhaps even a month, only to come back to me deflated: "This just doesn’t work for me; it may work for others, but not for me." Here are some examples:

George: I tried journaling once a week for a month and it just never felt comfortable.

Mary: I ran one ad amazing in the paper and got no results. I’ll never do that again.

Randy: I’ve just never had the patience to listen to other’s opinions. They take too long to get to the point. Besides, I’m always right in the end.

Each of these leaders has a great opportunity to succeed if only they developed a rhythm to match their goals. George would have unleashed the wisdom that lies just below his surface, wisdom that is not otherwise accessible.

Mary would have allowed her prospects to find her more easily with a rhythm and flow of ads, not just one. Randy would have blown his world open with new ideas had he just developed the rhythm of listening and learning from others.

I know for myself that if I get out of the rhythm of writing and speaking, it is very difficult to get back on track. Ponder the rhythms you’ve developed for yourself this week. If you are stuck in any one area, ask yourself: "What new rhythm will move me forward?" or "How can I strengthen an existing routine to turn it into a seamless rhythm?" Enjoy your discoveries and have a great week!