When I work with a new client, even beforehand as a prospect, I surmise whether they’re a Master or a Dabbler.
If they’re a Master, this is great. Not too many of these client packages come through my coaching door. They’re more than welcome in my coaching cave. Any time!
Other clients come dressed as Dabblers. Yet underneath their dabbler costume there’s Master dormant potential ready to be tapped and unleashed!
Having coached hundreds and hundreds of clients, I can emphatically say most people have no idea of what they’re capable of.
The differences between Masters and Dabblers:
Masters expect struggle. Dabblers are blindsided by obstacles.
Masters learn from mistakes. Dabblers view mistakes as failure.
Masters are professional. Dabblers are amateurs.
Masters are patient. Dabblers want the quick fix.
Masters serve others. Dabblers sponge off everyone.
Masters are relaxed. Dabblers are stressed.
Masters hire coaches, consultants, etc. to get where they want to go 10 times quicker. Dabblers see hiring someone as a painful expense.
Masters have a vision. Dabblers drift like a stick floating downstream without direction.
Masters are revered. Dabblers are seen as unimportant.
Masters attract. Dabblers repel.
Masters expect to succeed. Dabblers have no idea.
Masters are confident. Dabblers are unsure.
Masters want it more. Dabblers don’t know what they want.
Masters understand the long way is the short way. Dabblers think the short way is the short way. When in fact, it’s the long way.
Masters spend 20% of their time on important stuff. Dabblers don’t know what’s important.
Masters stay focused on what’s required for success. Dabblers stay busy but don’t achieve anything significant.
Masters measure their progress. Dabblers have no measuring stick.
Masters are willing to jump and figure it out on the way down. Dabblers need everything to be perfect before they leap.
Masters expect opportunity to come their way. Dabblers can’t see opportunity.
Masters don’t feel the world owes them anything. Dabblers expect everything to be handed to them.
Masters say “Why not me?” Dabblers say “I’m not good enough or ready enough.”
Masters make a dent. Dabblers are inconspicuous.
What can you add to the list?
Photo by Vern Southern.
Hi Steve,
Great set of characteristics for Masters and Dabblers.
I’ll suggest one modification:
For the statement
“Masters are patient. Dabblers want the quick fix.”
Perhaps this will be more meaningful for some:
“Masters will work for the long-term vision. Dabblers only see the sure thing.”
Hello Carl!
I like your addition to the list.
Masters are willing to struggle for the long term goal. Dabblers only see what they perceive to be the sure thing. Most times, the sure thing is a mirage. (That’s another post!) 🙂
Thank you.
Love this Steve.
My addition; Masters are know there is always more to learn in order to grow. That there are many doors to open for discovery. Dabblers aren’t willing to open the doors to growth, believing they know all there is to know.
Good point Steve. Masters are learners. Same could be said for Leaders. These folks are always looking to find the edge that puts them ahead of the competition.
Nicely written; very creative. I don’t really have much more to add to this except that masters almost always succeed on some level whereas dabblers might succeed but, without paying attention, they won’t stay there. After all, someone made a lot of money off the Shamwow before it collapsed. 🙂
Thanks Mitch. I’m glad you liked it.
Love this post. I really resonated with the calm piece. Very early in my career my boss said to me… “you know I think you could be a great leader… but the difference between strong leaders and you is that they are calm.” She was right and it was something I needed to really work on. I am now really sensitive to that when developing others as well. High energy and high achievenment has nothing to do with being frantic.
Remaining calm. I like that.
Namaste.