When we are on the path to mastery, we tend to look in one direction: forward. We aren’t interested in looking anywhere else, because we are focused on improving. We look at the masters and try to figure out what we need to do to reach the same level as them.

You’re struggling to start that new project, to commit to a habit, or to continue the work you know is important. It’s difficult to get up in the morning and convince yourself to work. While you know in your mind that the work is important (and you’re happy once you’re done), each day is a new struggle.

Many of us think we need to be influential or wealthy in order to be generous. After all, that’s how we can do things for others. Without influence or wealth, we can’t help people out like we want to.

When I find someone’s work that I admire, I immediately try to find the place where they store their collection or archive. My goal is simple. If this piece they created is so good, how much more do they have?