Jeff Bezos points out that beyond recognizing excellence, it’s crucial to understand the scope of work needed to achieve high standards. For example, writing a six-page memo requires meticulous effort, including multiple revisions and peer feedback. Many mistakenly believe a high-standard memo can be crafted quickly, but truly excellent memos take about a week or more.
The same principle applies to other domains. Mastering a skill like a handstand requires consistent practice over months, not weeks. Unrealistic beliefs about the effort required can lead to frustration and eventual abandonment of the goal.
Understanding and communicating the scope of work is key to achieving high standards. Do we communicate well enough, whether at home or outside? It’s a question to ponder. Whether writing a memo or learning a new skill, recognizing the required effort and time commitment is fundamental. This understanding fosters persistence and ultimately leads to better results.