Greatness

When I see outsized success I’m aware it’s a result of trying more, sometimes trying and failing for years or in a way that lacks social recognition. When I’m moved to tears by mastery of craft — the elegance of movement, of process, it’s due to devotion of time and spirit. Things don’t just become great by accident. Most times its a long and quiet... See more

Reaching 95%-ile isn't very impressive because it's not that hard to do. I think this is one of my most ridiculable ideas. It doesn't help that, when stated nakedly, that sounds elitist. But I think it's just the opposite: most people can become (relatively) good at most things.

"It is rarely a mysterious technique that drives us to the top, but rather a profound mastery of what may well be a basic skill set." —Josh Waitzkin Mastery of basics, not secret techniques, makes legends. Look at Roger Gracie's BJJ dominance—leverage and positioning. Jiro... See more

There is a tension; the longer you remain committed to a single cause of greatness, the more incapable you become of being good enough at everything else.

Compulsion. I think about that word a lot. I believe that all of us, carelessly walking about planet earth, are intrinsically compelled to do something . It’s in our nature, in the shape of our soul. To excel, to truly be the best, I think it’s crucial to spend time thinking about what that is. Because if you do something other than that, you’re... See more