# Mastering the How versus the What By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-04-28 When a master craftsperson makes a cut, it looks effortless. Their movements are smooth, and they are relaxed. There is no stress or intensity. They are simply focused on their task, and the results are nearly flawless. Contrast that with a novice making the same cut with the same set of tools and conditions. They are stressed, their muscles are tense, and they go very slowly. They are worried about making a mistake, and their movements reflect it. As a result, their cut will not be as good as the master's. Was this from lack of experience or how they each approached the problem? Certainly, experience makes a difference, but the novice isn't even trying to replicate the technique of the master. Relaxed versus stressed mindsets. Loose versus tight muscles. We tend to overemphasize the quantity of experience as the reason someone is good or bad at something unless they happen to be a "natural." Perhaps being a "natural" is more about how one approaches the task versus the quantity of experience. Good isn't as much about what one does as it is about how one does it. Rarely is stress and intensity the best way to get anything done. Finding ways to relax your mind and body while keeping intentionality and focus is the secret to mastering just about anything. #### Related Items [[Mastery]] [[Work]] [[Expertise]] [[Mindset]] [[Stress]]