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Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment Audio CD – Unabridged, March 1, 2021

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,157 ratings

MP3 CD Format

Drawing on Zen philosophy and his expertise in the martial art of aikido, bestselling author George Leonard shows how the process of mastery can help us attain a higher level of excellence and a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in our daily lives. Whether you're seeking to improve your career or your intimate relationships, increase self-esteem or create harmony within yourself, this inspiring prescriptive guide will help you master anything you choose and achieve success in all areas of your life.

In
Mastery, you'll discover:

● The five Essential Keys to Mastery

● Tools for Mastery

● How to Master Your Athletic Potential

● The three Personality Types That Are Obstacles to Mastery

● How to Avoid Pitfalls Along the Path

. . . and more
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"George Leonard is a remarkable man who embodies what he teaches: an amazing curiosity, a passionate intelligence, and the rare combination of someone who has both a broad vision and the focused mastery of details."

-- "Dean Ornish, New York Times bestselling author"

About the Author

George Leonard was a writer, editor, and educator, who introduced Leonard Energy Training (LET), a practice for centering the mind, body, and spirit. He was the author of a number of books on human possibilities and social change.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tantor and Blackstone Publishing; Unabridged edition (March 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Audio CD ‏ : ‎ 1 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1665243406
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665243407
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.3 x 0.6 x 6.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,157 ratings

About the author

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George Burr Leonard
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George Leonard has introduced LET to more than 50,000 people in the United States and abroad. He is the author of a number of books on human possibilities and social change, including Mastery.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,157 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and motivating. They describe it as an entertaining read with clear language and vivid examples that are easy to understand. The book provides interesting insights and ideas on self-help, with many aha moments. Readers appreciate the strong, persuasive content, great material, and sincere writing style. They find the visual style refreshingly plain and direct, with terrific illustrations. Overall, customers consider the book a good value for money and a worthwhile purchase.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

132 customers mention "Motivation"128 positive4 negative

Customers find the book provides insightful ways to appreciate the limited time we have on this earth. It offers useful concepts and an empowering message about how to redeem our lives. The book is described as a quick read that makes sense and applies self-motivation by identifying areas in life that you may not be giving enough attention to.

"...Simple, subtle and profound, this book is a fabulous guide to enjoying every facet of life by living as a master." Read more

"...You'll be able to understand your own behaviors, and those of others, better and be more mindful of them to help yourself and others achieve your..." Read more

"...directly opposes modern obsessions with quick fixes and instant gratification, instead opting for a more deep and meaningful approach to life's..." Read more

"...but in terms of that rare combination easy-to-read AND profoundly thought-provoking, this book ranks close to the top...." Read more

115 customers mention "Readability"109 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it entertaining and worth rereading. The book explores the concept of mastery in an engaging way that keeps their attention.

"...An excellent read in conjunction with Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Harper Perennial Modern Classics) or [..." Read more

"...Most amazing thing is that most of them read it . . . it is an easy read, but covers a very deep subject...." Read more

"...recommended to me by my friend Harlen Kilstein and I enjoyed very much reading it, especially because it is a great reminder of what being a learner..." Read more

"...2. The process for mastery -- this is very compelling. He takes the concept of a plateau and makes it understandable...." Read more

66 customers mention "Ease of reading"62 positive4 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and thought-provoking. They appreciate the plain language and vivid examples that make it simple to understand. The book is concise and organized to be easily referenced. Readers describe the book as well-written and a must-read for all humans.

"...Simple, subtle and profound, this book is a fabulous guide to enjoying every facet of life by living as a master." Read more

"...arguments, nothing revolutionary but the points made salient and succinct." Read more

"...Timing was good for me because I was already living some of these principles on my own so reading about them from an experienced and seasoned..." Read more

"...but in terms of that rare combination easy-to-read AND profoundly thought-provoking, this book ranks close to the top...." Read more

15 customers mention "Interest"12 positive3 negative

Customers find the book interesting and entertaining. They appreciate the insights and vignettes on self-help, practical applications, and aha moments. The perspective is insightful and gives it context. Readers like the overall theme of getting on the path and enjoying it. Chapters explore topics like loving the plateau, dealing with change, and homeostasis.

"...But there are also some really good moments that I learned from...." Read more

"...Chapters explore topics such as loving the plateau, dealing with change and homeostasis, getting energy for mastery, and pitfalls along the..." Read more

"...In each case, there are practical applications, interesting vignettes, and entertaining reading...." Read more

"...There is SO much judgey filler...." Read more

11 customers mention "Strength"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content persuasive and easy to follow. They appreciate the author's sincerity and reinforcement. The book provides useful advice for maintaining energy and overcoming resistance.

"...an experienced and seasoned writer who was obviously sincere provided nice reinforcement...." Read more

"...was inspirational to me, encouraging me to be enthusiastic about perseverence, patience, and most of all, about enjoying the process of learning..." Read more

"...They shipped it to me quickly, easily, and it was in great condition just as they said. I'd go with them again for sure." Read more

"...the specific tools and advices for maintaining energy and fighting resistance were useful." Read more

10 customers mention "Visual style"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's visual style clear and straightforward. They appreciate the vivid examples and illustrations. The points are made salient and succinct, supported by clear examples of what the keys look like in action.

"...Simple, subtle and profound, this book is a fabulous guide to enjoying every facet of life by living as a master." Read more

"...sound common sense arguments, nothing revolutionary but the points made salient and succinct." Read more

"...Leonard writes in a refreshingly plain and direct style, without relying on a lot of outside sources and quotes...." Read more

"...Using plain language and vivid examples, Leonard demonstrates for his readers that the path of mastery - whether in martial arts or another..." Read more

7 customers mention "Length"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's short length.

"...He's distilled a lifetime of learning into a very short and useful read." Read more

"...majority of self-help books, this one looks like the classics: it stays short, and doesn't lose its point in a plethora of unnecessary case studies,..." Read more

"***** This short and pithy small book contains a wealth of wisdom about mastery, which is described by the author, George Leonard in the..." Read more

"...Like all Great books, it is short, simple and straight forward...." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They say it's worth the price and in good condition.

"...with the three types: dabbler, obsessive and hack is worth the price of the book." Read more

"...Worth the cost and worth the time to read!" Read more

"Great book at an affordable price. A must read for anyone who values creating a life of meaning and achievement!" Read more

"This is a required book from my professor, but the price is pretty nice!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
    We have often heard that the joy is in the journey. Leonard clearly defines the journey of mastery and how we can savor every step. Simple, subtle and profound, this book is a fabulous guide to enjoying every facet of life by living as a master.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2017
    This book is a quick read that changed my life!

    The process Mr Leonard describes in this book is straightforward, easy to understand, and even easier to apply - as long as you can learn to love the journey! This will offer you a great insight into your successes, and other results, and show you a clear path to achievement. You'll be able to understand your own behaviors, and those of others, better and be more mindful of them to help yourself and others achieve your goals while enjoying the process (which is the actual goal itself).

    A quick warning: this can be a painful read, since we all have times in our lives when we have, and even still will, participate in the patterns Mr Leonard describes as 'Anti-Mastery'. Many have a problem with this part, but it is necessary to accept and come to terms with it, there is no shame in the feedback from past adventures unless you continue to not learn from them, this requires humility and letting go of pretense. If you can manage that you'll be on the path to Mastery sooner than you realize, without even realizing it!

    An excellent read in conjunction with Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Harper Perennial Modern Classics) or Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life (Masterminds Series). Mastery describes how to love the path and progress, Flow describes how to stay engaged and progress when on the 'plateaus' that we all encounter along the path of Mastery. Either on their own is incomplete.
    66 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2022
    Easy, quick read! I’m delivering a presentation on mastery and his book gave me some unique ideas to incorporate specifically around antimastery personas such as the dabbler, the obsessive and the stressor. Most of the points were sound common sense arguments, nothing revolutionary but the points made salient and succinct.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
    If you're deciding whether or not to read this, think about the core message of this book: mastery is a path, not a destination. This book then lays out a roadmap for anyone seeking long-term fulfillment, giving practical wisdom for how to master specific disciplines. This approach directly opposes modern obsessions with quick fixes and instant gratification, instead opting for a more deep and meaningful approach to life's challenges. If you're ready to start your journey of mastery without any concern of when you will arrive at a destination, then I highly recommend you read this to be inspired and encouraged on your path.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
    Happen to fall upon this book from a barre fitness studio website. Timing was good for me because I was already living some of these principles on my own so reading about them from an experienced and seasoned writer who was obviously sincere provided nice reinforcement. Be open minded and silence the inner critic, give this book a chance it’s worth it
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2008
    I read a lot of nonfiction, spiritual growth, and self-help books. Over the past twenty years I've participated in the "human potential" community and consciousness movement, through workshops, retreats, and support groups. Why have I never heard of this book before I stumbled across it here on Amazon??? This may not be the "best," most profound or life-changing book I ever read (a generalization I generally try not to make), but in terms of that rare combination easy-to-read AND profoundly thought-provoking, this book ranks close to the top. Leonard writes in a refreshingly plain and direct style, without relying on a lot of outside sources and quotes. I found "Mastery" just as provocative as, say, James Hillman's "The Soul's Code," and a lot less complex and redundant.

    See other reviews for details. But for me, the most helpful/provocative thesis in this little book (only 150 pp.) is Leonard's emphasis that real growth (mastery, self-fulfillment, englightenment, satisfaction--whatever you want to call it) comes in small spurts/peaks with A LOT of practice, even seeming stagnation, in-between. Recognizing this can avoid a lot of frustration. It also emphasizes that you have to love the practice (what Leonard calls the "plateau") as much as the goal, seeing "practice" as a way of life, not a means to an end. This is one of the best descriptions of "loving what you do/doing what you love" (as Rumi put it) that I have encountered.
    19 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2009
    A client urged me to read Mastery immediately, and I urge you to do the same. A long-term practitioner of the marshal art Aikido, Leonard unveils the five keys to mastery of any skill or subject:

    Key 1: Instruction
    Key 2: Practice
    Key 3: Surrender
    Key 4: Intentionality
    Key 5: The Edge

    In this quick read, the author helps readers apply Aikido concepts to their everyday lives. He offers advice on how to handle change and homeostasis without resistance, and he provides suggestions for how to produce more energy. He also alerts the reader to pitfalls along the path to mastery.

    A number of years ago, Dr. Mel Levine (author of many best selling books, including All Kinds of Minds) spoke with me about the value of becoming an expert. When you become an expert in any subject, he said, you know what it takes to become an expert in another subject. Mastery is built on a similar premise. People of all ages (including kids) reap tremendous value from dedicating themselves to a particular subject or skill. Once mastery occurs, self-confidence soars.

    Mastery is a journey that only begins and never ends.Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definite Recommend
    Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2024
    This book contains many wonderful insights and I've read it multiple times.
  • Rosario
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 17, 2023
    Pasta blanda pero muy bueno!
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eines der allerbesten Bücher...
    Reviewed in Germany on March 8, 2024
    ... Die ich jemals gelesen habe. Jeder sollte dieses Buch gelesen haben. Es hilft, sich selbst zu verbessern und dem Kern auf den Grund zu gehen.
    Absolut atemberaubend und bewusstseinserweiternd und dabei sachlich bleibend.
    Ein unglaublich starkes Buch über den Weg zur Meisterschaft oder wie der Autor selbst sagt über den Weg des lebenslangen Lernens.
  • Uday Reddy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stresses the importance Of Mastery in the Present Information AGE!
    Reviewed in India on May 16, 2021
    The main highlights of the book –
    1. Talks about the need of Mastery in the present world.
    2. Gives profound advice on how to inculcate mastery in our daily lives.
    3. Exposes the hidden workings of the world which wants us to seek meaningless pleasures.
    4. Gives you various tools and tips to include mastery in your daily practice.
    5. Has a chapter about Mindfulness.
    6. Helps you to use mastery to become the best at your field.

    The long version -
    Mastery isn't just a skill you master and be done with; it is a lifelong journey without an end. This book makes you think deeply about mastery. The author explains various processes involved in mastery and how in the present society where mastery is extinct, must come back.

    The book teaches you the subtle art of mastery and how you can apply it in your daily life. The first part of the book explains how mastery is almost non-existent in the present world. People love instant gratification and instead of pursuing a meaningful goal, they are running after their next dopamine high. The society is trying to bombard you with endless amount of instant gratification and pleasure. Remember, this book was written in the 1990's, think about the direness of the situation now.
    The author stresses the need to break free from this pleasure trap and seek out meaningful work or activities that give you satisfaction over the long run.

    In the second part, the author talks about Mastery itself. How it happens and how you can use it to become the best at your field. He talks about how mastery is created. He also gives you various tips on how to use mastery in your own field. In the third part, he gives you various tools on how to keep Mastery sustainable.

    The writing style of the author is very fluid, and you could just breeze through the book. The book is only 180 pgs. long but can offer a lifetime of wisdom in terms of skill development and meaningful work. The ending paragraph of the book makes you think about yourself in a deeper way. This was a beautiful book to read as it exposed the pleasure trap what engulfs us daily, and how it is our duty to inculcate mastery in our daily life.

    P.S. – This book is quite different from Robert Greene’s Mastery. Both books are good on their terms.
  • Ximo Salas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno y muy válido
    Reviewed in Spain on December 31, 2020
    Un libro claro, detallado y muy práctico en algunas secciones que puede abrir los ojos a mucha gente. A mí por ejemplo. Fácil de leer.