3 Steps to Becoming an Expert

In surgical training there is a saying about the learning process.

See one. Do one Teach one.

Don’t worry, the training isn’t usually that abbreviated. Realistically the saying should be “See several. Do many with someone else there. Do some on your own. Teach what you have learned every chance you can get.”

The point is that knowledge is gained and shared through a simple, but active, process. Learning. Doing. And teaching.

The same process can apply to the stories we live.

photo by Stanford Medical History Center (creative commons)

1. See One

One of the best ways to gain insight on how to live a better story is to know someone who already does. Great resources include:

• Parents
• Good friends
• Mentors

The key idea is that others have gone before us. They have made mistakes. They have discovered what works and what doesn’t. Use their knowledge and experience. Use their insight.

As you see more and gather the knowledge of others as your own, then you can begin to build on what they each you.

(If you need helping finding a mentor, read this guide by Jeff Goins.)

2. Do One

The key to learning anything is doing it.

Knowledge unapplied is only theoretical and is practically worthless. (Feel free to tweet that.)

Whether your art is playing a musical instrument, writing a book, starting a business, or fixing someone’s broken leg, nothing is learned until you do it yourself.

There are 3 levels of doing.

• Begin – There is always the incredibly difficult first time. Sometimes beginning is the hardest step of all.
• Practice – Repetition is the key to truly learning anything.
• Create – Once your base knowledge and experience grow, it becomes time to create something new with it.

What keeps you from trying? Fear of failure? Fear of success? Comparing yourself to others?

Having a dream is not enough. You have to do something about it. 

3. Teach One

Unfortunately some of us stop after we do. What good is knowledge gained if it isn’t passed on to those who come behind us?

After you make progress, gain some experience, and make some mistakes, it becomes your turn to teach what you have learned.

The world is a better place when knowledge is shared and ideas spread.

• Become that parent you wish you had.
• Be the same kind of friend to others that helped you learn.
• Offer to mentor those that need help to find their way.

There are two critical aspects of being a good teacher.

Be available. And care. If you can do that, you can teach.

Becoming an expert involves all three of these aspects. The more you can see and do and teach, the more experienced you will be.

In your own story, what has helped you become more experienced? Have you been able to see one, do one. or teach one?

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