Episode #194 Become An Expert

Five Problems

• When we fail to strive for excellence, our impact lands just above mediocre.
• Unfocused improvement in skills and knowledge often leads us to become know-it-alls.
• It is far too easy to consume enormous amounts of information but learn very little.
• It is unfortunately common for college graduates never to read another book again.
• We will never coast our way to expertise.

Five Principles

• We can become the best version of ourselves without pushing others down.
• The aim of expertise is not to feel valued but rather to add value.
• Becoming an expert in a specific area often paradoxically increases humility.
• The first step to become an expert is to simply take the first step.
• Every human being has the ability to develop competence.

Three Practices

• Identify an area of interest where you can passionately pursue expertise.
• Read 10 books, listen to 10 podcasts, and watch 10 videos about a single topic within the next year.
• Whenever you receive honor or recognition for an accomplishment, do the world a favor by asking yourself, “What’s next?”