They Say it Takes 7 Years to Master a Skill

I might debate the saying slightly — mastery is probably a little strong of a word — I think proficient is a better suit. But that’s semantics, the point still stands.

Just over 7 years ago, around June 2006, I began programming. I started a message board with a couple people and used that as my playground. Learning how to program became my mission and I devoted as much time to it as I could. I started by fiddling with code, line by line, to see the effect and slowly worked my way up to bigger and bigger features. Today I think I’ve reached a point of proficiency. I’m far from knowing everything but I am confident in my ability to learn new technologies, solve complex problems and turn almost any idea into a product. Just over 7 years.

Reflecting on that, I feel motivated to try a new passion. I don’t want to give up programming, but I feel that I should embrace more of what life has to offer. And I think the best way to do that is to ‘master’ something new. I’ve never been a jack of all trades, but at the same time I don’t want to leave myself as a master of one. I don’t want to just be a programmer.

I have some incredibly talented friends and colleagues. They are the remarkable entrepreneurs, extraordinary skiers and amazing musicians that I can only aspire to be. They are awesome at the skills that I want to be great at: I hope to be a successful businessman, I wish I was a great snowboarder, I would love to have the creativity to make music.

But these three examples are just a few of many. And the greatest challenge is only choosing one.

What’s your next passion?