On recent trip to Phoenix I thought I’d fill my travel time with a short book that I had been recommended to read by Dr Cliff Oliver several years ago, so it was finally time I got round to it. A must read for anyone interested in enjoying the ride whilst learning new things or achieving the highest levels in anything in life!

The book is by Aikido master George Leonard, and is written with the intention of setting out the pathway to mastering all endeavours in life, not simply Aikido. In todays fast paced and results orientated world we can get to hooked up on progressing to the next thing and the next thing with ever taking the time and engaging in the deep practice needed to master one practice. Whether that is a sport such as Aikido or a habit such as eating, a new hobby or even a new relationship. They all have similar though processes in common, the mindset of dedication and enjoyment of the practice itself, not simply the getting to the final goalpost!

In this simple yet powerful reflection, Leonard describes the 5 Essential Keys to Mastery, the tools needed to achieve such a state, how to master your athletic potential and the three personality types that are obstacles to mastery and how to avoid these pitfalls along the path and more… Click the image to have look at the book!