Renowned author Robert Greene, known for his bestselling books like The 48 Laws of Power and Mastery, recently delved into a discussion about the power of mindfulness on the Finding Mastery podcast hosted by Michael Gervais. They explored how mindfulness can cultivate the mindset and skills necessary for true mastery.
When assessing the current state of craft, physical development, and mental development in sports, Greene highlighted the importance of the mental aspect. Drawing from football, he highlighted how the quarterback’s mindset can be affected by repeated hits, leading to diminished performance. Some quarterbacks struggle with the mental toll of anticipating hits, while others like Tom Brady remain mentally resilient despite physical challenges.
Gervais added that while we have made progress in developing physical abilities and craft, training the mind has been overlooked. Athletes often have to navigate this aspect on their own, with guidance primarily coming from spiritual leaders or parents who may lack advanced knowledge in mental training.
Greene emphasized the transformative power of daily meditation in sharpening focus and stilling the mind. Personally, he experienced a significant improvement in his pool-playing abilities by cultivating mindfulness. The power of the thinking mind to disrupt performance is evident, whether in a golfer lining up a crucial putt or a basketball player caught in analysis paralysis. Greene highlighted the connection between Zen Buddhism and samurai warriors, who sought mental control in high-stakes life-or-death sword fights.
Examining the concept of mastery, Greene referred to Zen in the Art of Archery, which emphasizes reaching a moment of oneness with the bow and arrow. This state of flow, devoid of conscious thought, is the pinnacle in sports and any endeavour. Mastery, as discussed in Greene’s book, involves developing an intuitive feel for one’s craft, enabling actions without excessive thinking. Successful quarterbacks describe reaching a stage where the game slows down, and they possess an innate understanding of the game.
Gervais pointed out that many individuals dedicated to their craft often struggle with the uncertainty of what comes next once their pursuit ends. Greene addressed the notion of purpose, describing it as an individual’s life task. Discovering this purpose can be challenging, as external influences often overshadow personal clarity. Greene encouraged individuals to quiet the multitude of voices and listen to their own inner voice.
Regarding the interplay between identity and purpose, Greene viewed them as inseparable. While the existential quest for self-discovery may be elusive, refining a craft provides an avenue for self-expression. Engaging in a craft one enjoys leads to faster progress and greater fulfilment. In the pursuit of his craft, writing, Greene aims to realize his potential and express the unique ideas within him.
However, Greene acknowledged the sacrifices necessary for mastery. He highlighted the trade-offs, such as sacrificing a robust social life and personal pursuits. The journey towards mastery requires dedication and perseverance. Not everyone will reach the pinnacle in their chosen field, but alternate avenues may open up, as exemplified by the transformation of boxer Freddie Roach into a renowned trainer.
In summary, mastery entails moving from an external understanding to an internalized, intuitive feel for one’s craft. The space between thoughts and actions becomes an artist’s playground. Mindfulness plays a vital role in unlocking this mastery, enabling individuals to tap into their unique perceptions and experiences. The pursuit of mastery requires sacrifices but offers profound rewards in self-expression and fulfilment.