Written by: Edan

The Oxford English dictionary describes mastery as:

1.Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a particular subject or activity: she played with some mastery

1.1The action of mastering a subject or skill: a child’s mastery of language

We often think of masters as wise or holy people, maybe people with extraordinary physical skill like a black belt in a martial art, or a musician or artist with exceptional talent.

These definitions may be true, but they do not say what skill or knowledge one must have to be considered a master. Therefore I say we can all be masters, as we all face our own personal challenges.

Perhaps someone says to you that they have finally mastered the art of walking. You laugh, maybe, since we expect everyone to master walking as children, but perhaps what you do not know is that that person lost their leg in an accident or in war. Mastering walking therefore was not just a physical feat, but a mental one as well, something that took time and hard work and frustration.

Mastery may imply difficulty, but it does not mean impossibility. If you don't believe you could be a master, know that every single master once stood where where you stand or have stood, back at the beginning; Picasso was not born a fully-fledged artist, and Beethoven did not begin writing full symphonies.

Being a master does not just mean knowing everything about something, it is about the journey to get there; the setbacks, the struggle, and then the feeling of joy and achievement when you realise you have got further than you ever expected. And the work of mastery never ends, just as the journey never ends.

If nothing else, we can all become masters of being ourselves. It may sound silly, but how many people shy away from a mirror, or do not feel confident expressing their views in public, afraid to be themselves where others can see?

I have not said that it will be easy, but know that it is possible, if you want it and if you are willing to work for it.