# In pursuit of great work The word "[[Watching the master|craftsman]]" has been on my tongue as of late. A person who takes the time to practice, learn, fail, repeat, until they break through to mastery. This person is one who I admire, and have always wanted to be. Throughout my journey there have been many starts and stops of the process of achieving the level of a true craftsman. Some stops were due to a poor fit, others laziness or personal issues or lack of grit or any other excuse which is now irrelevant. Recently, however, I've been much more honest with myself about what is important at the end of the day and who I want to become. Hence why the term has passed my lips. The result? In short order, my world has changed. I've gotten clear on my craft (communication), the vehicle to build mastery of my craft through (written & spoken word), and how I'll be supporting myself and arranging my life as I work (focusing on being around extremely high integrity people doing M&A deals which is an application of my craft). But equally as and possibly even more exciting than the clarity of purpose and commitment of self has been the perspective change and peace of mind. The world has taken on a hue of delicious. People are more interesting and meaningful, money holds far less power over me, and decisions have become significantly easier to make. To be fair, I've always loved people and found them interesting and meaningful, but it has been enhanced in what feels like a grand remembrance of what's important. Candidly, I've spent the last year deeply studying investing and money. Miraculously, it has worked. I have a much more powerful understanding of the subject, and I know what I must do to be successful in the realm of my personal finances. Never again do I have to wonder what my strategy is. I can simply perform and not really have to think about it anymore unless I want to. It has taught me a tremendous amount about life too, which was an unintended but appreciated side effect. Now, I can focus on the next goal, which is to become a master of communication and give it everything I've got. It feels good to commit publicly and to be able to throw off the burden of indecision. Not making a choice to go after something which actually suited me was emotionally painful. I often felt myself searching for my next thing, like an addict who needs the next puff. [[Pain + reflection = progress|The pain was useful]] to force me to play my hand, and now that I have it's a beautiful thing. If you're in the thick of it, keep looking for what suits your temperament. It doesn't matter what others do. Chase your happily ever after.