Recently, I have become obsessed with the lessons I have been gaining from Cal Newport's book. Sometimes it is the ones you never expect so much from that give you the lessons you have been looking for, or, for a better way to put it, the lesson of a lifetime. Not too long ago, I wrote about a previous lesson from a quote in the book. I wrote on the quote, “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” and you can check it out using this link:
In this post, I will explore a new lesson from the book, as I am enjoying its content. The quote for the day is:
To produce at your peak level, you need to work for extended periods with full concentration on a single task, free from distraction.
Quite a long one if you ask me, but I have to admit that it is quite deep as well. The bowl of contention can be found in the suffix of the words, which entails focus. It is about being focused on a single thing down to the point of obsession, which allows one to find their true peak. I cannot tell how far you can go at something until you tend to give it all you have at least. It is like if you done you are going to do something, then go all the way. Do not assume certain things are hanging without giving them your effort.
You cannot experience true amstery without being obsessive about the thing you want to be a master at. The greatest chess player of all time, Magnus Carlsen, and one of my favourites, has been playing the game right from when he was 5 years old and up to date now that he is over 30. It takes a lot from one to be the master of any trade, and it is easy for anybody to be a Jack of all trades. This is something I have fallen victim to. I always felt my multi-talented personality could be a good excuse for my multiple activities and engagement. In my head, it was good maths when someone was multi-talented, which means they are good at multitasking. Well, that was not the case.
It takes a lot to become good at a single thing. Now I see why the quote from Bruce Lee says I do not fear a man who has studied several kicks, rather I fear a man who has studied a single kick a thousand times. Well, this speaks a lot to dedication. And now Cal Newport is saying to get to that peak level, you need to work for periods with full concentration on a single task, free from distraction. Pick up one thing you love so much, and you want to be passionately good at. Then stay focused on it with all your best. Not speaking volumes that a person is well known for their work or skill.
I have come to understand now that mastery takes time, and I have become a fan of progress over perfection. It is way better to be focused on your progress by giving in your best over and over again, even when it gets hard, rather than wanting everything to be perfect. News flash, it cannot be perfect, and nobody is perfect. We can only hope for it as we work on our progress.
I am @samostically, a chess player and writer. I love to share the experience I have gained from different battles over the 64 squares and the knowledgeable insights from books I have read. But most importantly, I am a Midnight Owl and I founded the community Midnight Letters.
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This is a word for me and for many
A lot of times, we are too fast to complain but deep down, we haven't given that stuff the most needed effort to see our desired result.
Just like the quote you are talking about, full concentration is needed without losing focus, and without distraction and with extended period. I.doubt we can apply this in whatever we are working on without seeing nice results
Happy new year sam
It really takes a lot to become good at a single thing and I have learnt to focus on my progress not perfection by given in my best. I really learnt alot from Bruce Lee quotes.
Thanks to for sharing this