The secret I've been sitting on...

There’s a hunger that lives in every man.

Not for comfort, not even for success.

But for mastery.

Mastery is the call to become more than what you’ve been.

To take something you love, give it focus and have the autonomy to pursue it without restraint. 

You’ll never master something you’re not passionate about, you can become proficient but without passion there is no mastery. 

You just become really good at something you don’t love doing.

There are plenty of proficient men that are good at doing things, but empty inside. 

Men “working” in professions they hate while the dreams of their youth die inside. 

Don’t get me wrong, I respect the responsibility — but, it’s our job as men to model what is possible not just put food on the table. 

… and I wonder just how many children and wives are also slowly dying because their hero gave up on his dream. 

Lately, I’ve found myself starting from scratch again.

A new obsession.

Something I never thought I’d pursue, but it’s been quite consuming — and rewarding. 

And oddly, relevant and complimentary to the work I already do.

I’ve been keeping it pretty close to my chest, it’s the secret I’ve been sitting on and only shared the pursuit with a couple people my wife being one.

Not to be secretive, but because I didn’t want the noise.

There are too many naysayers who’ve let their dreams die and in the early stages of curiosity it’s important to protect your interest from negativity. 

But, more importantly I needed to test it myself. 

Build proof, stack wins and confirm the feasibility of this new venture.  

This season reminds me of when I trained for my first marathon.

Then later, a 100-miler.

I wasn’t “a runner.” 

I just wondered… “what if I became one?”

That what if is powerful and worth exploring.

I became proficient at running, capable, but I wouldn’t say passionate or masterful, I never really loved it, I loved what it gave me and it was the challenge of doing what seemed impossible that I wanted to master. 

That’s been my central drive. 

I want to know who I will become beyond my current identity — not just a coach, writer, athlete, entrepreneur — but who is the man that is capable of not just mastering new skills, but himself through the process?

That’s what I’m pursing. 

For that, you must submit to the stages of Mastery.

These are the 5 Stages of Mastery

1. Curiosity – something catches your attention.

2. Passion – you get emotionally involved, hooked.

3. Purpose – it begins to matter on a deeper level.

4. Mastery – the discipline and depth begin to compound.

5. Autonomy – you shape your life around it.

Curiosity: The Spark

The first stage where interest ignites energy. Non-committal but alive, this is the most delicate stage where reward and risk must be balanced and a new adventure begins to form.

Passion: Energy & Motivation

The spark starts to flame and the energy gets focused through intentional effort. Motivation becomes intrinsic as progress becomes realized. This also the stage of greatest defeat and broken dreams because resistance shows up. Things get harder.

Purpose: Transformation

The activity begins to shape the identity and meaning and action align. The work is more important than the outcome and the purpose gives meaning to the inevitable pain.

Mastery: Integration of Self & Skill

The man that was once curious now leads others, and mastery is no longer about pursuit but presence. The repetitions have formed a rhythm and life work is integrated into everyday action.

Autonomy: Freedom through Discipline

Autonomy is when your life design reflects your mission. You no longer need a boss, a cheerleader, or even external motivation—you are governed by internal mastery.

This is the King.

Right now, I’m somewhere between 2 and 3.

Passion is becoming obsession and skill is following and theres a new purpose beyond the activity. 

It’s a fun season to be in.

I’ll share a bit more about this new passion project in the coming weeks… but for now I just wanted to leave you with this. 

Find the thing that you are good at, passionate about and would do for free and pursue that wholeheartedly, above all else, against all odds follow the path that only you can see. 

That’s what this life is all about.

Much love, 

E