Art imitates life, and this post is brought to you by my (fashionably) late viewing of “Top Gun: Maverick”. A while ago, I came across the Japanese concept of Shu Ha Ri, and it resonated with me because one of the things I’d like to shout from rooftops, but instead put on a tee, is:
It stayed at the back of my mind as a possible blog post…until Maverick. What do they all have to do with each other? Hang on, I’m getting there. Shu-Ha-Ri is a combination of words that describe a learner’s path from novice to mastery.
“Shu” is the phase of external education, like learning from a teacher. At this phase, you do exactly as you’re told without deviating because you want to make sure you get the same results. Like the Top Gunners, you have the aircraft manuals and they become your Bible.
“Ha” is the phase where you’ve been consistent, put in your (10,000) hours, and you’re feeling more confident in your abilities. So maybe now you can start trying, and showing off some flying maneuvers, but you’re grounded in reality.
“Ri” is the phase where the lines blur between you and what you’re learning. It’s become a part of you and it’s almost like the rules don’t apply. They do, but at this phase, you know that the limits are further out than what’s generally believed. Like Maverick, you know that even though the test was for a Mach 9, you can get to a Mach 10 and even a little more than that.
If you’re going to master anything, then you have to start with the basics; it’s a process. Like, how we start with numbers before moving on to algebra. Each phase/level is a preparation for what’s coming next. Know your stuff to the point where you can bend the rules. Learn, practice, explore, make mistakes, and adapt until it becomes a part of you.
But first, (please) understand the basics.
differentshadesofbrown 