The Joy of Mastery: How to Achieve Success and Fulfillment in Life

This article was inspired by watching my young children enjoy mastering their co-ordination following gym classes in their nursery. I was amazed by their enthusiasm, perseverance, and joy as they learned new skills and improved their abilities. I realized that they were experiencing the joy of mastery in its purest form, without any external pressure or expectation. I wanted to share this insight with you, hoping that it will inspire you to pursue your own path of mastery in life.

Have you ever felt a sense of satisfaction and delight after mastering a skill or accomplishing a goal?

Have you ever experienced a state of flow, where you are fully immersed and engaged in an activity that challenges and rewards you?

Have you ever wondered what it takes to achieve such levels of excellence and happiness in life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are interested in the joy of mastery.

Mastery is a journey, a process, a skill, and a mindset, during which what is at first difficult becomes progressively easier and more pleasurable through practice.

It is the long-term pursuit of improvement and excellence in any domain of human endeavour. It is the attitude of curiosity, passion, persistence, and humility that drives us to learn, grow, and overcome challenges.

Mastery is also the source of success and fulfilment in life. One of the main factors that contribute to our well-being is the experience of positive emotions, especially the joy that comes from mastery.

The joy of mastery is the feeling of pride that comes from achieving a high level of competence and performance in something that we truly value.

It is the feeling of confidence and self-efficacy that comes from knowing that we have the ability and the resources to handle any situation.

It is the feeling of gratitude and appreciation that comes from recognizing the value and meaning of our work.

Mastery is not something that we can achieve overnight or by accident. It requires deliberate practice, constant feedback, and continuous learning.

It also requires overcoming obstacles, facing failures, and coping with setbacks.

But it is worth it, because it leads to personal growth, professional development and a real joy in living.

How can we cultivate the joy of mastery in our lives? Here are some practical tips:

• Choose an activity or a domain that interests you and aligns with your values and strengths. It can be anything from playing an instrument to running a business, from painting to programming, from cooking to coaching.

• Set realistic and specific goals for yourself that challenge you but are within your reach. Break down your goals into smaller steps and track your progress. Celebrate your achievements and reward yourself.

• Seek feedback from experts and peers who can help you improve your skills and performance. Learn from their advice and criticism. Ask questions and seek clarification. Be open-minded and willing to change.

• Practice regularly and consistently. Dedicate time and energy to your chosen activity or domain. Focus on quality over quantity. Seek variety and novelty in your practice. Experiment with different methods and techniques.

• Enjoy the process rather than the outcome. Focus on the intrinsic motivation rather than the extrinsic rewards. Find pleasure and meaning in what you do rather than what you get. Be present and mindful rather than distracted or anxious.

• Share your skills and talents with others who can benefit from them. Teach or mentor someone who wants to learn from you. Collaborate or compete with someone who can challenge you. Contribute or donate to a cause that matters to you.

By following these tips, you can experience the joy of mastery in your life. You can achieve success and fulfilment in whatever you do.

Upcoming Resurface Events

Building Resilience Retreat  - Morocco - June 15th to 22nd

Trauma Resolution Retreat - Morocco - September 7th to 14th

Building Resilience Retreat - Morocco - October 19th to 26th

Trauma Resolution Retreat - Morocco - November 16th to 23rd

EMDR Intensives are available on request - please contact for more information. These are bespoke programmes and usually take place in Morocco and the US.

You can find out more about our retreats and book your spot on our website.

With gratitude, Josh and the Resurface team.