These days, everyone is trying to become recognized for doing something. Whether it be social media related, starting a business, writing a book, or trying to become fit. They are all trying to find mastery in this thing that they care about.

Now, what does Mastery entail? The dictionary defines ‘mastery’ as “comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment”. This means that one knows everything that there is to know about this thing. Granted, everyone has a different definition for what mastery is, relating to their specific field. But keep in mind that as a rule, mastery comes from understanding this thing that you love and care about from every possible angle and perspective.

If you want to master a specific martial art for example, you have to be willing to not only learn the moves and techniques, but the rules or codes that motivate the fighting style. Also, knowing the history of the martial art as well as studying the experts at the fighting style are also an essential.

“Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason, mastery demands all of a person.” – Albert Einstein

So now that you know what mastery means exactly, you can begin to apply this meaning to whatever it is that you care about. I’ve developed a formula to guide you on this journey.

The Formula for Mastering Any Skill is Consistency + Self-Assessment + Action = Mastery.

1. Consistency

Meaning doing this thing that you do on a regular basis. It’s a well known fact that small habits create big results. So whatever you want to master, do it as often as you can. This translates to training every day. Creating a high quality video every week. Meditating every morning. Calling a potential new client and giving a pitch 5 times an hour. Whatever it takes to repeatedly do the thing you want to be the best at. Do it even when you don’t feel like doing it, you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Self-Assessment

Tony Robbins argues that self-assessment is a major key towards success. This also applies to mastery of whatever skill you believe in. Not only do you have to be consistent in what you do, you have to take a step back and look at the quality of what you’re doing. You can make videos all day, every day. But if you’re not doing anything to improve the quality of your content, then your effort means nothing.

Same goes for working out. If you’re lifting weights without checking your form/technique then the time goes to waste. I’m not saying you have to be changing things all the time. I’m suggesting that you try new things, do it for awhile, and if that doesn’t work try something else.

“The bridge between knowledge and skill is practice. The bridge between skill and mastery is time.” – Jim Bouchard

3. Action

This step is arguably the most crucial step to the formula. Self-assessment is nothing without action. If you realize something is wrong, but you don’t do anything to change it, then whats the point? Be willing to take risks to find mastery. Try a new approach to whatever it is you want to be a master at. If everyone is using selfie-sticks to create motivational videos, find a new way to film you talking to a camera. Do something! No matter how crazy or unusual it is. You may be surprised with the results.

The difference between wanting to become a master and actually becoming one is taking action. Remember that moving forward.

Now that you know the formula for mastery, I hope you find a way to apply this information to your own life. What is it that you want to master? What steps have you taken to get there?