The most elusive quality of excellence, of peak performers worldwide and throughout history is that thing called “Mastery.” What is this thing, and is it possible for ordinary people, however committed, to touch this exalted state?

The answer is “yes,” but I’ve got good news, bad news, and more good news. The first good news is that the path is deceptively simple. The bad news is that it is hard, and can be painful. The last, good news is that those on the path have no real competition—very few people are actually willing to be excellent in life. They want to talk about it, and dream about it, but are unwilling to actually pay the price.

And this, as I’ve said, is very good indeed for those of us who are.

The first thing we must do is devise a useful definition of “Mastery” whether we are talking about this quality in the domain of writing and the arts, of interpersonal interactions, of intellectual pursuit. Then we must throw light on a pathway to this quality that will enable us to reach our peak potential.

Try this description: “Mastery is the ability to perfectly match energy and attention to the task at hand.” In other words, if every task has a perfect “profile” of attention and ability necessary to complete it, if you bring either less or more of yourself to the task, you may well complete it, but you will struggle and waste energy—or not perform properly at all.

Or try this description: “Mastery is the ability to perform instinctively and instantly in the manner you would perform had you a month to consider your actions.” In other words, to have instant access to your own deepest capacities.

In other words, Mastery is the place where intellectual or physical or emotional preparation meets pure instinct. The reflexes of an animal, the emotional purity of a child, the intellectual focus of a scholar. An incredible goal, designed to create incredible results.

And the achievement of that goal is exactly what I.D.E.A. is about.

Instinctive Designation of Energy and Attention. The deliberate cultivation of instinct, energy, and intellect to maximize your results as a writer, athlete, businesswoman, human being…whatever your goal. The theory is both childishly simple and devilishly difficult, but is your key to accessing your deepest wisdom.

Basically, I.D.E.A. says that you develop your instincts by giving yourself deep feedback about the way you are currently operating in the world. To strip away illusion, and operate in a “truth zone” about the person you are and the world you live in. As the ancient Samurai Musashi Miyamoto once put it, “Do not think dishonestly.” A commitment to total truth will tear the blinders from your eyes, possibly for the first time in your life.

Sounds simple? Just wait. Here’s the bad news. In order to be certain that you are accurate in your assessments, you must take responsibility for your life, and the results you have achieved (or occasionally endured!) in all three major arenas of your life: body, mind, and spirit.

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