The Piper Must Be Paid

Years ago, Josh Kaufman published a book about learning new skills. He proposed that it takes about twenty hours of deliberate practice to become competent and proficient in a new skill. Basic arithmetic means that if we were to wake up an hour early five days a week for a month, you and I could become competent in a new skill.

The questions to ask are:

What new skill or skills do I need to accomplish my purpose?

Which skill is most important?

Which skill is second most important? And finally,

Am I willing to wake up an hour early?

Funny thing is, I’ve shared this tactic with a few people over the years. I’m not surprised that most, if not all doubt it’s effectiveness. I’ve continued to stack skills, each improving on the last, increasing my value and adding something we all need - the inability to be replaced.

When you are one of the few people able to do what you do, then you become irreplaceable. It’s the most valuable trait you can possess. I am still replaceable and I’m guessing you are too. There’s a vast difference between competence and mastery.

When I learn something new, it’s mostly out of curiosity. Some skills are learned from necessity, but most of time it’s because I’m curious about how things work and decide I’ll focus on something for a long weekend to become competent or I’ll wake up early for a few weeks and get familiar with something.

Becoming irreplaceable is something that’s a bit beyond this particular writing, but that’s the study about the 10,000 hours. My preference, hence the path I’ve chosen, is not to become irreplaceable or an expert in that regard. The trait I wish, and I’m working towards mastering is networking. I don’t need to know all there is to know about a particular subject. I simply need to get in touch with someone that does. Either way, twenty hours to become competent, 10,000 to become a subject matter expert, or another method not mentioned. Each requires living outside of our comfort zones. Each requires paying the “piper” so to speak. Each requires a shift in thinking and priorities, if only temporary. These over short time periods reap immense benefits when allowed to compound over time.

Today, Monday, January 15, 2024, I am grateful that:

The weekend was relaxing. I chilled, relaxed, recharged the battery, and took it all in. Nothing major done, only a couple of changes to a document for a client and that’s about it.

I’ve got a contract starting tomorrow. It’s ben a bit over a month since I’ve worked on platform. I need to make a few more changes with regard to my availability, on and off platform. I’m better than where I’ve been, so I’ve gotta be willing to form more profitable partnerships.

Partnerships are becoming more apparent. I need and would benefit from strategic partnerships. I’d also benefit from implementing a formal means of acquiring referrals to my target market.

Have you paid the piper?

If not, are you willing to do so?

Which skills do you need to acquire to fulfill your purpose?

Make a list of those skills. Number them from most to least important.

Abe,

Be Greater!!!