Unlock Your Potential: Become An Expert In Your Field

Marketing Kuel Life Thought Leader: Lori Lyons

Are you tired of being just another face in the crowd?

Do you want to stand out and be recognized for your skills and knowledge? Are you ready to become an expert? 

What Is An Expert?

But what exactly is an expert? Webster’s dictionary (yes, they are still around!) says “an expert is someone who has special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience.” In other words. it means being exceptional, elite, or at peak performance in a specific skill or area. 

So..how do you become an expert? The answer is simple: time and commitment. Becoming an expert is not a sprint but a marathon. In fact, my speaking coach said you need to read at least 100 books on your subject to even begin to scratch the surface of expertise. And according to the famous 10,000-hour rule, it takes roughly one a half years of practice day and night, or three years of practice 12 hours a day, five days a week, to reach expert level.

“So, it’s important to practice deliberately, with focus and attention, to ensure you’re making progress towards expertise.”

The 10,000-hour rule came from a study of accomplished violinists, who on average had practiced for 10,000 hours before the age of 20. But there are problems with this rule, as not all hours of practice are created equally. 10,000 hours of practice done incorrectly doesn’t make you an expert, it makes you a poor performer over and over again. So, it’s important to practice deliberately, with focus and attention, to ensure you’re making progress towards expertise.

Level Of Expertise:

Michael Phelps, is the most decorated swimmer of all time, five-time Olympian with 28 medals, 23 of them gold. To achieve this level of expertise took years…years of training and improving starting at the age of 15. Hours of practice plus pushing himself against those that were arguably better than he was when he was 15. He also trained with the best against the best. 

So, another key strategy to becoming an expert is to surround yourself with other experts. As Jim Rohn, the personal development guru, said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So, ask questions, up your game, and join coaching programs to make connections with others in your field. Expertise is learned, so you can learn from those around you! 

But it’s not just about surrounding yourself with experts. To truly become an expert, you need to become a thought leader. Don’t be satisfied with the status quo, try new things, learn, and innovate in your field. Look at things differently. Share your knowledge with others, whether it’s through a podcast, a blog, or speaking. And never stop learning! Read books (at least 100), attend webinars and conferences, take classes, get coaching. The more you learn, the more you’ll grow.

Hard Work, Dedication & Perseverance:

There are some things to watch out for when working on becoming an expert. First, remember that skills are different from expertise. You can become skilled at something without being an expert. And 10,000 hours of practice done incorrectly doesn’t make you an expert, it just reinforces bad habits. So, practice deliberately, hire experts to course correct, and model their behavior.

You’ll also need to strengthen your mental toughness. Becoming an expert is hard work, and it requires a lot of dedication and perseverance. Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges ahead. Challenge yourself, set goals, and learn from your mistakes. And don’t let setbacks stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Sense Of Fulfillment:

But wait – “ I’m not Michael Phelps. I don’t have the perfect swimmer’s body or the natural talent to become an expert in my field.” Here’s the good news: expertise can not only be learned but it can be acquired. Anyone can become an expert with time and commitment. It’s not about being born with natural talent, it’s about putting in the work and developing your skills over time.

“Becoming an expert is not easy but it’s definitely worthwhile.”

One of the most significant benefits of becoming an expert is the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes with mastering your field of knowledge. When you become an expert, you’ll feel more confident, accomplished, and empowered. You’ll have a greater sense of purpose and direction in your life, and you’ll be able to make a real difference in the world. Imposter syndrome? It doesn’t exist. 

Benefits Are Many:

Becoming an expert is not easy but it’s definitely worthwhile. It requires time, dedication, and perseverance, but the benefits are many. You’ll be listened to, highly regarded, and drawn into networks. You’ll have a higher know and trust factor, and clients will find you instead of the other way around. And most importantly, you’ll experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from mastering a skill or field.

So, if you’re ready to become an expert, start by making the commitment. Practice deliberately, surround yourself with other experts, and become a thought leader in your field. Start writing, speaking and producing expert content. Challenge yourself, learn from your mistakes, and never stop learning. And remember, expertise can be acquired by anyone with time and commitment. You are on your way! 

Michael Phelps – watch out! 

For more on becoming an expert, check out this episode of my podcast – The Encore Entrepreneur. I share specific strategies for reaching expert status. 

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