W. Clement Stone: 'Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything.'

Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything.

W. Clement Stone once said, "Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything." This quote embodies the essence of persistence and determination required to achieve mastery in any field. It emphasizes that skill and expertise are not innate qualities but rather the result of continuous effort and unwavering dedication.To put it simply, the quote suggests that the path to expertise is paved with perseverance. It encourages individuals to embrace setbacks and failures as stepping stones on the journey towards excellence. Like a mantra, it reminds us to persistently engage in trial and error, learning from each attempt, and pushing ourselves to go further.However, let us now delve into a philosophical concept that adds a new layer of intrigue to Stone's quote - the idea of the paradox of effort. This concept challenges the notion of continuous striving by suggesting that sometimes, the harder we try, the more elusive success becomes. Philosopher Alan Watts hypothesized that in our relentless pursuit of goals, we often overlook the present moment and lose touch with ourselves.Watts suggests that an excessive focus on achievement can lead to a life devoid of joy and fulfillment. Instead of incessantly striving for expertise, he proposes a different approach - one that involves being fully present in the process rather than fixating solely on the outcome. By adopting this mindset, we can find true contentment, even if we do not reach the pinnacle of mastery.While the paradox of effort offers an intriguing perspective, it is important to recognize that Watts's concept does not necessarily contradict Stone's quote. In fact, the two can be seen as complementary ideas. Stone's emphasis on persistent trying recognizes the importance of putting in the effort required to develop skills and expertise. It reinforces the belief that excellence is not born overnight but necessitates dedication and perseverance.On the other hand, Watts brings awareness to the potential pitfalls of a singular focus on outcome-driven efforts. He reminds us to savor the journey, embrace the lessons learned in failure, and cultivate a sense of mindfulness throughout the process. Thus, both viewpoints offer valuable insights on the path to mastery.In the end, finding a balance between persistent efforts and mindful presence is the key to becoming an expert. We should strive to cultivate a mindset that embraces the twin notions of Stone's quote and Watts's philosophy. By continuously trying and persevering, we lay the groundwork for expertise, while also embracing the present moment and finding fulfillment along the way.In conclusion, Stone's quote encapsulates the essence of what it takes to become an expert - unwavering determination and persistent effort. However, by adding Watts's philosophical concept of the paradox of effort, we introduce a thought-provoking perspective on the idea of expertise. Ultimately, the convergence of the two viewpoints emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between striving for mastery and living in the present moment. So, let us remember to try, try, try, and keep on trying, but also to savor the journey, learn from our failures, and find joy in the process of becoming experts in our chosen fields.