If you’ve ever felt disheartened by the idea that you’re never “done” mastering your craft, this Food for Thought video is for you. In just a few minutes, David Klaasen unpacks a powerful concept that redefines what it means to pursue mastery and excellence, especially for leaders and professionals committed to continuous growth.
In this episode, David introduces the concept of an asymptote—a mathematical idea where a curve gets closer and closer to a straight line but never quite touches it. He uses this as a metaphor for Mastery and Excellence in leadership and performance.
The takeaway? Mastery is an asymptote. You can progress toward it indefinitely, but you never fully “arrive.” And that’s not a problem—it’s a feature.
Excellence, like mastery, is not a box you tick. It’s not about reaching a finish line and declaring the job done. Rather, it’s an ongoing journey—an ever-evolving state of improvement. This can be motivating, but also frustrating. David encourages us to embrace this dynamic and balance the tension between two emotional states:
The frustration of never quite getting there
The enjoyment of the pursuit itself
This mindset is essential for sustainable leadership and personal development.
Referencing thought leader Dave Ulrich, David highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations when aiming for excellence. If leaders set the bar too high—expecting perfection—they risk disengaging their teams. But when you frame mastery as a progressive journey, you create a culture that values improvement, resilience, and curiosity.
Whether you’re communicating with your people or motivating yourself, remember that excellence is a journey. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being in progression. Mastery lives in the act of learning, not in the illusion of arriving.
Remember, when it comes to mastery . . . stay curious!
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