Why Mastery Isn't Everything ?
I still remember a conversation with one of my schoolmates about “having interest in multiple domains.” I told him that I want to do everything that interests me. He replied with nothing more than a quote that got imprinted in my head : “A Jack of all trades, master of none.”
That quote hit me very hard, and I started developing a thought: “Am I doing something wrong?” But when I sat peacefully and reflected on it, I concluded this:
To be the “Master of One,” people wait ages for the perfect time and for things to perfectly align. They focus on one thing and completely ignore the other ninety-nine. Life is too short to master one thing and leave the others untouched.
Human intelligence is vast and versatile. Limiting it to mastering a single skill or field can be a disservice to our potential. In a rapidly evolving world, where technology shifts every decade, job roles transform every five years, and skillsets become obsolete every three years, clinging to one specialization might render us irrelevant.
The real danger lies in the mindset that prioritizes mastery above all else. Many fall into this trap due to societal pressures or a lack of genuine curiosity. For instance, recent years have shown us dramatic shifts: the global economy downturn in 2020, the stock market crash, the crypto boom, Bitcoin's meteoric rise, the explosion of NFTs, the advent of DALL-E, and the turbulent advancements in AI. Those who approached these changes with curiosity thrived, while others who dismissed them as irrelevant missed out on significant opportunities.
You know, it has been three years since I got into writing – I’ve produced more than a hundred pieces. I’ve also explored different writing styles such as blogs, speeches, scripts, news articles, theories, long informative posts, content across social media, and I’ve recently started writing short stories.
Not only writing, I have multiple interests such as chess, basketball, content creation, YouTube, animation, art, music and reading more than 500 articles/blogs and research papers on a variety of topics from AI to medical research.
So, by concluding all the above points – “Have that curiosity.”
Let me introduce you to a character from the all-time classic sports anime, "Hajime no Ippo" (Fighting Spirit). This electrifying series about boxing aired between 2000-2001 and has captivated fans worldwide.
The main character, Ippo Makunouchi, started his journey into boxing out of pure admiration for the sport. With an unstoppable drive, he rose through the ranks, winning several championships and facing off against some of the fiercest boxers in the country. The tension peaked when he lost his first title match, a devastating blow that would have crushed most fighters. But not Ippo. His unwavering passion for boxing kept him in the ring.
Remembering the love that sparked his career. His determination paid off when he fought his way back to a title match, emerging victorious and defending his title twice.
Ippo's record stands as a testament to his resilient spirit: 12 matches, 11 Knock outs, 1 loss.
Therefore, open up to new things - skills, ideas, thoughts, conflicts, and technologies. Don’t try to master one thing; just do it for the sake of experience and learning. Always remember about relevancy.
It's not about having a grudge against mastery. Achieving mastery is commendable. But it's about those who use the pursuit of mastery as an excuse to avoid broader learning. In a world that rewards adaptability and lifelong learning, curiosity is your greatest ally.
Life is too short to be confined to a single path. Explore, learn, and grow, for in the end, it is the richness of our experiences that defines us.
Modern Day Escapism.
Have you ever found yourself watching reels, YouTube videos, movies, your favorite series, or listening to your favorite song whenever you feel bored or sad? It's something that happens to almost everyone at some point, right? And while it might feel wrong when you slow down and think about it, trust me, it's not.
This is called 'Modern Day Escapism.'
Escapism, by definition, means the habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine.
In simple terms, when someone is in trouble, stressed, or anxious, they often seek to avoid their thoughts by immersing themselves in various forms of modern media. In the past, people turned to writing, reading, art, or music for escape.
Contrary to popular belief, escapism isn't inherently bad. When used appropriately, it can be a powerful tool in combating depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Imagine going through a heartbreak. You're left broken, feeling completely depressed. After spending 6-7 hours studying or working your 9-5 job, you come home and sit on the couch.
What do you do ?
Watching your favorite movie, listening to your favorite song, or scrolling through YouTube shorts or Instagram reels can help you momentarily escape your pain.
Afterwards, you might feel better, having momentarily forgotten your troubles, with a plethora of new thoughts to occupy your mind. However, the fact remains that excessive escapism can work against you.
It can make you less productive, lead to ADHD symptoms, lower your retention rate, and diminish your ability to focus. People around you may start to feel annoying, and you may begin lying to yourself, rendering reality a mere inconvenience.
Therefore, use escapism to survive in the world, but be mindful not to overindulge. Excessive escapism can cause significant harm to your mind. Instead, consider healthier forms of escapism like writing or reading. These activities can help you gain much more in the long run.
Though they may be harder to follow, as the famous saying goes, "The cure for pain is in the pain." – Rumi
Finding a balance is key. Use escapism to give yourself a break, but don't let it become your only means of coping mechanism.