Today’s practice focused on learning. We had a blast learning all kinds of new things from all kinds of different people. Remember this crazy, simple, and complex truth.
You and I can only do what we have learned to do.
There are few shortcuts to learning something to the point of “mastery.”
If you and I are to accomplish something memorable we must start by gaining CRYSTAL clarity on what we want. The more specific, the better. We’ve got to be able to see our target. There is no chance we will invest the ten years and ten thousand hours it takes to taste “mastery” without a clear vision of where we’re headed.
Many years ago a woman swam the English Channel. This was an amazing feat and, as the story goes, she next decided to swim a shorter route from one of the islands off the coast of Northern California to the shores of San Francisco. Less than halfway through the swim she gave up. She called for the boat to pick her up. The team was shocked. Why had she “given up” on a much shorter objective? Was she simply having a bad day? Had she not put in the proper training? Had she grown complacent and lazy? The answer was surprising. Here’s what SHE said. Here’s why she stopped short of her objective.
“It was foggy. I could NOT see the shore.”
Again, do you know what you want? Can you see it?
Can YOU see your SHORE?
Once you can see your shore are you ready to “just keep swimming?” Masters are committed to a lifetime of learning. We cannot simply develop visions that are clear.
Even day dreamers can do that.
At BUILT TO LEAD, we believe in dream and DO. We believe in deliberate practice. We believe in creating a learning discipline. We believe that greatness is available to every individual that knows what they want, AND is willing to work for it. We believe the same is true for great teams. It’s just REAL, HARD, WORK. Isn’t it comforting to know that most of your competitors are NOT willing to work that hard. The key question is…
Are you?
What are you studying this week that might move you toward your vision?
What are you learning this week that may improve your performance?
How are you applying this learning?
Remember, you have what it takes.
Very cool.
BUILT TO LEAD 
ok — this one has kept me up a few nights thinking and re-thinking the message. Although, I value a good nights sleep — I also value a good struggle. So here’s my dilemma — how does God’s will fit into “my shore” … ? Maybe the women who stopped swimming (a “failure”) .. reposition her for something even greater ? Maybe she needed to be humbled ?…. I’ve spent years pursuing my shore …. isn’t a Christian life about surrendering my shore (I don’t do this btw) in favor of hearing the soft whisper of God’s voice and his shore ? This is my first ever blog — so bring it on !!! I’d also like a book recommendation on how to find my shore with God as the captain, boat and wind ….