From my last post, one reader commented that I should read
some books about sports psychology. It reminded me of a book I did read on the
subject a few years ago called Mastery: The keys to success and long term fulfillment
by George Leonard. You can read the
cliff notes version of it from here: http://gettingstronger.org/2010/03/george-leonards-mastery/
The goal driven nature entrenched in our society fuels a competitive atmosphere
where we are constantly measured up against each other’s successes in various
pursuits. This puts the emphasis on the make
or break end result rather than enjoyment of the pursuit. What I liked about his approach is the caricatures he presents as a result of the lopsided focus
on results.
The Dabbler:
The Dabbler attempts each new sport, hobby, or interest with
initial enthusiasm but quickly loses interest and moves on to the next shiny
pursuit once the initial one slows down, or encounters difficulties. Dabblers start many new things with gusto but
once they hit a wall or plateau move on.
The Obsessive:
The Obsessive lives for the growth spurt in a skill. If he's
not constantly and actively growing he presses himself harder and faster.
Eventually the Obsessive burns out and moves on to something else. A lot of the old “ Knights errant” had fallen into this category. I think Michael De La Maza was one as well.
The Hacker:
As for the HACKER, once he has passed over the first major
growth spurt and is on the first plateau he just stays there. He doesn't
actively spend time trying to learn and grow. He just tinkers with the bit of
skill he's developed and remains satisfied at that level. But who wants to be
just a hack in the competitive chess world?
So What are the keys to mastery then?
The book goes on to describe the keys to mastery:
Instruction, Practice, Surrender and Intentionality. Those last two we tend to
forget about. Surrendering means being willing to lose a few as we change
styles. For instance, I knew I was going to lose rating points when
I surrendered my old opening system a few years back ... and I did...but having
done so I have since gained valuable knowledge
in D-pawn games. Recently, I have
become uncomfortable in open positions. I need to surrender and embrace the
learning process once more.
As for Intentionality, this refers to focus. I lose focus
with all the distraction life throws and then I fall into either of the three
categories. Getting to the point where I
am OK with plateaus and set backs is hard when every cell in my body feels like
it needs to be measured against some gage for success. Changing the mindset to
be at ease with the way things are is a meditation in and of itself. It brings
me back to basics as to why I love this game in the first place. I love the
learning process. If I can remind myself of this more often before the games in
a tournament, the more I can enjoy the journey.
1 comment:
to anyone who hasn't I strongly recommend that you follow George's link to the blog post.
the blog posts, quotes several of George Leonard's insights verbatim.
perhaps each one of us, could get something different and insightful from what is said, But I REALLY like this... because as allude in chess blog- I think my chess program hasn't gone well this week...
"Backsliding is a universal experience. Every one of us resists significant change, no matter whether it’s for the worse or for the better. Our body, brain and behavior have a built-in tendency to stay the same ..."
----
I don't if the connotation is spiritual or just an age-old adage. but they often say that some people 'look beyond the mark' when they seek to achieve or master something. I think the idea poignantly describes root issue with the dabbler/and overly obsessed.
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