Foundations of Mastery & Peak Performance

Overview
High achievement in a given field is the result of two things: (1) mastery of a specific set of tasks and (2) psychological & social support toward that end. The vitae for this course involves at least 5 domains: motivation, confidence, focus, urgency, and poise. This course explores these themes and aims to help you develop your own path to mastery gains and consistent high performance.

Objectives
+ Gain a clear vision for yourself, your field of interest, and/or your craft.
+ Adopt a practice of self-belief and decisive action relevant to your stated vision & goals.
+ Better understand your attentional capacities, biases, and replenishment.
+ Develop the skills of focus, mental discipline, and presence.
+ Learn to invest your time & steward your energy toward your vision.
+ Develop a baseline mastery of emotional intelligence.

Concepts
+ Motivation — You possess a clear, compelling vision for where you’re headed and why this matters. Most people don’t lack motivation, they lack clarity. If you desire more motivation, get a clearer vision--know your ‘why.’
+ Confidence — You believe you’re capable of realizing your vision. If you lack confidence, decisive action is your friend. Decision, practice, repetition, refinement, and courageous action lead to confidence.
+ Focus — Your attention is given to: (1) that which matters, and (2) that which is in your control. Focus includes credible self-talk, a positive mindset, preparedness, and owning the moment.
+ Urgency — You show up 100% in everything you do. No particular set of circumstances is required for you to bring high levels of intensity and determination. A sense of urgency comes from greater focus, an understanding of kairos time, and a competitive spirit.
+ Poise — You are conscious to and in control of your emotions, no matter the circumstance. In training, performance, and recovery, you exhibit self-control and emotional stability. Emotional maturity is facilitated by first, impulse control, and later, personal and interpersonal consciousness. 

Resources (not exhaustive)
+ Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)
+ Mindset (Carol Dweck)
+ Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success (Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness)
+ The Power of Full Engagement (Dr. Jim Loehr)
+ What Drives Winning (Brad Ledbetter)
+ White Bears and Other Unwanted Thoughts: Suppression, Obsession, and the Psychology of Mental Control (Daniel Wegner)
+ “A Better Information Diet” (https://www.edbatista.com/2019/05/a-better-information-diet.html) (Ed Batista)
+ “Embracing Stress Is More Important Than Reducing Stress” (https://news.stanford.edu/news/2015/may/stress-embrace-mcgonigal-050715.html) (Clifton Parker)
+ “Fixed vs Growth: The Two Basic Mindsets That Shape Our Lives” (https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset) (Maria Popova)