Steps To Mastery

How to Master Anything?

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." ~ Steve Jobs

Recently, i came across this interesting "list" from the internet. Well, the whole idea may not be new but something refreshing and a great deal of truth in it. At any rate to closely relate on these steps to mastery, i decided to innovate a little and made a separate "checklist" focusing on chess solely.  

Here's the chessplayer "creative list" i propose (based from the listing):

1. Discover the chess game and the thinking system to play it correctly.

2. Learn from your mistakes, every loss is an opportunity to improve.

3. You have to enjoy playing, always put a smile on your game face.

4. Be ready to replace your old and ineffective habits, for the better. Your 

    determination is the key!

5. Focus on quality not quantity. Always be active and don't lose objectivity. 

6. Keep a champion psychology.

7. The training process should closely simulate a real game situation. As 
     they say: "The more you sweat in training the less you bleed in war." 

8. Understand the base chess principles by heart. Know when to follow       
    (or break) the rules.

9. Differentiate between general and specific, know when to use strategic 
    and tactical tools.