Watching masters at work

Watching Michael Jordan play basketball makes me want to play basketball.

Watching a Christopher Nolan movie makes me want to try filmmaking.

Listening to Seth Godin talk makes me want to talk just like him.

Firstly I don’t think I am alone in this desire.

Secondly I think the common thread is we can’t help but admire the expert at work.

We see the skill, confidence and the way they are revered by others and we think – I want that!

Therefore if I wanted to foster a passion for soccer in a child I would show them footage of Messi and Ronaldo not amateurs.

I think it’s no coincidence that a lot of careers are heavily influenced by the work of parents.

The children observe their parents dealing with their careers and react according to their conclusions by either following in their footsteps or choosing a completely different path.

I think the same applies for adults. If I wanted to encourage people to take a mediation course I would show examples of masters at work not the paperwork or admin required.

I think the activity is irrelevant, it only serves as a means to an end for what we really want, which is respect, confidence, attention, fun, glory etc etc.