The mystery of mastery, felt in the child’s mind or muscles, is more compelling than the concreteness of achievement, the trophy pressed in her hands. What sustains us in any competition are the moments of interiority when the competition vanishes; what sustains us in any struggle are the moments when we forget the struggle.
Adam Gopnik, “The Parenting Paradox” The New Yorker, January 29, 2018 issue
Mastery starts with struggle and ends with accomplishment.
Translated, the experience of mastery means "I'm handling this"; it doesn't mean "this is easy" or "I know the answer". Mastery focuses on the present challenge, confident and vigilant against confidence taking over. Mastery is optimistic yet mindful that outcomes are not preordained. The possibility of failure beckons and is transformed into something exhilarating.