I’m playing with the idea of mastery orientation, or mastery mindset vs performance mindset. I think a lot of people spend most of their time focused on getting to the goal. You know, make that sale, hit the home run, nail that presentation, create the masterpiece, etc. We do live in a performance-focused society where achievement and accomplishments are measures of success. And going for the gold isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Let’s try looking at this from a different angle.
What if we were to work on focusing on what we are doing, and becoming masters, instead of focusing on the end result? Where might that take us? Of course, we start with an idea of what we want to accomplish, but let’s practice being fully present in this moment and do the best we can in this moment. Now detach yourself from the end result. It’s possible that what you end up with could be better than your original vision. Is true. I’ve experienced it myself.
What’s that? Detaching from the result, even though there is a goal in mind is an interesting concept. I can see where confusion may be creeping in. Work towards your intention, but detach from the outcome? How’s that work?
Think of a time when you were involved in a project, maybe it was an art project, something in the yard, and you were completely engaged in the moment letting your muse guide your next step. A few months back I had maybe a little more than a half idea of a plan to create space in the garage, and what that might look like. I got started, and as one thing led to another, with me just staying in the flow, trusting the process and being open to that next step not being exactly what I originally had in mind, the end result turned out much better, with more efficient use of space, and was much easier to implement than my original vision.
How does this apply to regular life? How might this apply to your business, for instance, when everything is measured by the outcome? We can’t always control the outcome. We can only control what we do towards that outcome. So, focus only on what you are doing, only what you can control. Be open to a new thought, a new idea. Be ready for what may appear. Practice your craft. I like to say take more grounders, do your scales, work on that jump shot. Become a master of you, and when the time comes, you will nail the performance.
By the way, the performance is the end. You did it. Win or lose, It’s done. Over. Mastery? There’s always more, more to learn, more to grow, it’s open-ended, and in that process, there’s more success, more satisfaction, more peace, and a fuller expression of your true self. Besides, with the mastery orientation, there is always something to learn, always growth, therefore, you never really lose!
Do you want to win this game, or do you want to win the whole match?
Become a master!
Practice the Mastery Mindset!
You will win!
Often!
Just sayin’