You can be a masterpiece and a work-in-progress at the same time.
How to overcome the need to be great at something while you still haven't started.
What is a masterpiece?
The term ‘masterpiece’ generally refers to a work of art, music, or literature that is considered to be of the highest quality and skill. The word is also broadly used to describe an individual who has a specific skill-set and has honed it to perfection. We come across this word a lot, and almost always feel the need to achieve the status of a ‘masterpiece’ at something.
Think about the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo or the infamous Mona Lisa. Exceptional skill, talent and recognition are some qualities that a masterpiece possesses. The present form of that thing should be able to push the boundaries of a specific genre, and be something that also stands the test of time after ages.
What should you be aiming for?
Your mind is wandering about waiting for your skill— something that you set out to do— to get into a stage where it is called a masterpiece. This might stem from a desire to be validated immediately and get recognition for your work. But try and be honest with yourself, it is near to impossible to be a masterpiece this quick. It is better to appreciate it that you are always a work-in-progress. Even masterpieces are a work-in-progress. There is always something you can improve on, regardless of your current state.
Here are five things you can do to make yourself comfortable with the process, instead of the result.
Understand and fall in love with the learning process: Just focusing on the end result will leave you dissatisfied with the process too. Fall in love with the process and make peace with the fact that failures and setbacks are a part of your learning curve and can be improved by practice and patience.
It will take time, but it’ll be worth it. Try and get Feedback: Many of us are often scared to even put themselves out there for people to give feedback. It will significantly impact your process in the path to become a masterpiece when you actively put yourself in the eyes of like-minded people and know what works and what doesn’t. Constructive criticism is important.
Practice Consistently: Set aside time to hone your skill each day. Regular practice will make sure that whenever you look back at your past-self, you look better than the last time.
Set realistic goals: This is the most important step. Don’t waste your time by having unrealistic standards, as it will only put you into a downward spiral. You cannot paint the Mona Lisa the moment you pick up a paintbrush, and neither are you going to bench 200 lbs in your initial gym days. Break-down your long-term goals into small, actionable ones.
Give yourself credit: In simpler terms, celebrate small victories. This will trigger a positive feedback cycle, and make you want to do more of what it is that you are pursuing. It is easy to overlook your progress. Small victories will lead to bigger ones, just have patience.
Remember, being a masterpiece is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process, the positives and the negatives. Let people see you stumble on your way. The modern way of living is to live through a series of mistakes and improving upon them.
P.S.; If you love content like this, consider subscribing by just putting your email in the section below. I am new to this blogging thing, and I am fully applying the above mentioned steps to achieve some sort of mastery in my blogging journey soon enough! :p