15 Success Habits to Mastering Anything in Life | Ed Mylett

The Three Stages of Mastery [00:01:21]

• Mastery unfolds in three distinct stages: awkward, mechanical, and natural.
• These stages are a natural progression, and quitting too early is common.
• The speaker uses learning to ride horses as a personal example of progressing through these stages.

  "There's the awkward stage at anything you begin to do, the awkward stage."

The Awkward Stage [00:02:09]

• The initial phase of learning any new skill or starting a new pursuit is characterized by awkwardness.
• This includes not knowing basic terminology, procedures, or social cues.
• The speaker recalls his first job as a busboy, feeling overwhelmed and even having nightmares.

  "I remember my first job was, I was a busboy at the whole enchilada restaurant."

The Mechanical Stage [00:04:32]

• Through repetition and practice, one moves into the mechanical stage.
• In this stage, actions are performed based on learned procedures and mechanics, but without true fluidity.
• The speaker likens this to dancing to the lyrics of a song rather than the beat.

  "I knew the mechanics of it, but still I was slower than most."

The Natural Stage [00:05:27]

• The final stage of mastery is the natural stage, where skills are performed effortlessly and intuitively.
• This is often perceived by others as being a "natural."
• In business, the most significant financial gains are often made in this stage.

  "Everybody looks at you and goes, oh man, you're incredible. You're a natural."

Transitioning Through Stages [00:06:35]

• Moving from awkward to mechanical, and then to natural, requires repetitions and awareness.
• This involves consistent practice, seeking feedback, and making course corrections.
• The process is similar for athletes switching positions or learning new skills.

  "Repetitions and awareness. Repetitions and awareness."

The Science vs. Art of Success [00:08:04]

• Success involves both art (mindset, vision) and science (repetition, action).
• Most people focus on the art but neglect the science, which is the hard work of doing the reps.
• In business, this means making more calls, emails, appointments, and enduring setbacks.

  "Most people don't have a tolerance for the science part. The science part's real simple. It's math."

The Invisible Progress [00:10:05]

• A major reason people quit is the lack of visible progress, leading to "invisible progress" being overlooked.
• Compound pounding, the cumulative effect of repeated actions, breaks down barriers over time, but this progress is often unseen.
• Most people quit just before reaching their goal because they don't see tangible results.

  "Most of that progress is invisible. We don't see it."

The Piñata Analogy [00:11:13]

• The speaker uses a piñata analogy: blindfolded children swing a bat, often missing the target.
• Some get pointed in the right direction (awkward stage) and hit it repeatedly but see no results, leading them to quit.
• The piñata breaks only after numerous cumulative blows, often by the last child who swings when it's weakened.

  "The question is, who broke the pinata? Was it the final blow by the four-year-old, the one shot?"

Compound Pounding in Life [00:14:04]

• In life, like with the piñata, progress is happening even when not visibly apparent.
• Quitting before the "candy comes out" means missing out on the rewards of consistent effort.
• The key is to keep hitting the piñata of your life, doing the reps until the reward appears.

  "Most people quit on their dream before the candy comes out, even though progress is being made."

The Power of Habits for Goals [00:16:50]

• Habits are the mechanism by which goals are achieved.
• About 90% of daily choices are habitual, leading to consistent results.
• Focusing on internal habits is more controllable than external circumstances.

  "I'm going to give you seven steps to making your goals a reality by delivering with them on habits that serve you."

Specificity in Goals [00:18:48]

• Goals must be specific to be actionable.
• Vague goals like "be happy" or "make money" are ineffective because the brain cannot process them.
• Specific goals, like "earn $100,000" or "do 10 contacts," allow for targeted habit formation.

  "Your mind cannot go to work, your brain cannot go to work on processing a non-specific general result."

The Catalyst Step [00:23:19]

• A catalyst step is a small action that initiates a larger habit or process.
• James Clear's "two-minute rule" is an example, making it easy to start.
• For example, leaving a bottle of water by the bed can be a catalyst for drinking a gallon a day.

  "What's the catalyst step I could take today?"

Identifying Obstacles and Distractions [00:26:31]

• Eliminating existing habits that obstruct goals is as important as creating new ones.
• Identify the biggest obstacle or distraction, such as social media, phone use, or negative thoughts.
• Removing these distractions frees up time and energy for goal-oriented actions.

  "It's not about just adding a new habit for a goal. It's about eliminating one that's obstructing our outcome."

Success Leaves Footprints [00:29:05]

• The quickest path to success is to find someone who has already achieved what you desire and learn from them.
• This involves modeling their habits and strategies, not just copying them.
• Success leaves clues and exact steps that can be followed.

  "Success leaves footprints. The quickest way is to find somebody who's already done what you want to do and get as close to them as you can."

Depth Perception and the RAS [00:32:28]

• Many people have a "depth perception problem," believing their goals are further away than they are.
• The Reticular Activating System (RAS) in the brain filters information based on what is important.
• Strong belief in a goal makes the RAS more likely to identify opportunities (like "Teslas" in life) to achieve it.

  "They think they're further away than they are from the goal because they think it's so far away."

Performance Measurement and Improvement [00:37:17]

• Where performance is measured, it improves.
• Regularly tracking progress towards goals, whether personal or professional, is essential.
• Leaders and individuals must have the courage to look at the "scoreboard" of their lives.

  "If you're not measuring a performance regularly, it will not improve."

Celebration and Recognition [00:39:07]

• Appropriate celebration and recognition are necessary for reinforcing achievements and preventing burnout.
• Over-celebrating can sabotage momentum, while not celebrating at all leads to burnout.
• Successful people continue the habits that got them there and upgrade them for the next level.

  "Your brain needs to be rewarded appropriately when you achieve something."

The Coffee Bean Analogy [00:46:02]

• The "coffee bean" analogy illustrates transforming adverse environments.
• Carrots soften, and eggs harden in boiling water, but coffee beans transform the water.
• Positive leaders, like coffee beans, impact and transform their environments rather than being negatively affected by them.

  "We want to be like, there's the coffee bean. You put that coffee bean into boiling hot water. What happens?"

The Power of a Word for the Year [00:49:07]

• Choosing a single word for the year can provide focus, meaning, and purpose.
• This word acts as a rallying cry and a guide throughout the year.
• The speaker shares his words, such as "surrender" and "heart," and how they shaped his experience.

  "It gives you meaning and mission, passion and purpose."

Navigating Difficult Times with Faith [00:50:42]

• During challenging periods, focusing on winning each day is crucial.
• Returning to a "rookie mindset" of service, trust, and prayer can lead to unexpected growth.
• Faith provides a foundation and takes the pressure off, allowing for reliance on a higher power.

  "The ones who make it just want to make it to breakfast."

Overcoming the Five D's [00:54:25]

• The "five D's" (doubt, distortion, discouragement, distractions, division) can be overcome by focusing on the "four C's" (communicate, connect, commit, care).
• Trust replaces doubt, encouragement combats discouragement, focusing on love overcomes distractions, and unity resolves division.
• Unity, whether spiritual or personal, is key to overcoming anxiety and division.

  "Instead of doubt, the answer is trust. And it's just radical trust, surrender and trust to the creator."

The Role of Faith [00:59:00]

• Faith is presented as the cornerstone and foundation of life, providing strength and purpose.
• The speaker shares his personal journey from struggling with negativity and anxiety to finding faith.
• He emphasizes that faith takes the pressure off and provides a partner in navigating life's challenges.

  "I know that I am nothing without my faith, without my relationship."

The Author as a Pen [01:01:35]

• The speaker views himself as a "pen" through which ideas are channeled, rather than the sole author.
• He attributes the success of his books and ideas to a higher power.
• This perspective fosters humility and a focus on serving a greater purpose.

  "I'm not, I'm not the author, just the pen. And these ideas come to me, like literally downloads."

International Recognition and Humble Beginnings [01:03:30]

• The speaker recounts his early days as an "internationally known" speaker, despite limited actual international experience.
• This highlights the importance of believing in oneself and creating a frame for success.
• His book "The Energy Bus" took five years to become a bestseller in the US.

  "My publisher was calling me the David Hasselhoff of Korea because no one was reading my book in the US, but I was huge in South Korea."

Leadership and Culture [01:06:40]

• Great leaders drive culture, and their love, energy, passion, and quest for excellence are contagious.
• Dabo Sweeney's leadership is highlighted for instilling belief and leading with both love and accountability.
• The combination of love and accountability is essential for motivating a team without burning them out.

  "It's the leader that drives the culture. So who stirs the pot determines what is in the pot."

Leading with Faith and Values [01:08:45]

• Leaders who are bold about their faith and values create trust and define their identity.
• Dabo Sweeney's faith is a significant part of his leadership, influencing his team positively.
• Authenticity and clarity about one's principles are crucial for effective leadership.

  "People want to know what you stand for. And they don't even have to necessarily agree with what you stand for, but they want you to be a definable person because I think it creates trust."

The Carrot, Egg, and Coffee Bean Story [01:10:17]

• This analogy illustrates how people react to adversity: like carrots (soften), eggs (harden), or coffee beans (transform).
• The goal is to be like the coffee bean, transforming the environment rather than being changed by it.
• This message is powerful for leaders, teams, and children facing challenges.

  "When you put a carrot into boiling hot water, what happens to the carrot? It gets softened."

Avoiding Judgment [01:13:30]

• As individuals grow and achieve, they can become judgmental of their past selves or others.
• This judgment is unhealthy and unjustified, as past selves lacked the current wisdom and experience.
• Protecting oneself from judgment is crucial for maintaining a positive mindset and serving others.

  "I will not allow you to walk through my mind with your dirty feet."