The Secret to Being Really Good at Doing Anything: "BASICS"

Article by: AP @Tradecraft USA

When it comes to skill performance – it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are, or what you need to do; the secret to being truly effective is the application of the basics. Written as a formula, this concept is expressed as:   Performance = Objective x Basics. It is relevant to any subject or skill.

Here's a concise overview of what basics are and why you should always adhere to them:

What are basics?

Basics are sets of facts and principles that build upon each other to CAUSE specific effects and outcomes.

Why are basics important?

Every skill is composed of a set of basics that are necessary to make it work.

When the basics of a skill are present and applied the effect that they produce MUST ensue. Conversely, if a basic is neglected or removed, the effect is extinguished, and the quality of your results will be wildly variable – and generally poor.

In addition to producing desired results, basics significantly enhance the adaptability and durability of skill performance because they are:

  • Consistent from one operation to the next
  • Not influenced by variables
  • Relevant to any set of circumstances
  • Applied without exceptions

What is an example of basics?

One example of basics, that many people are familiar with, are the basics of fire.

Making fire is an essential skill that has significantly influenced human development. Although there are many techniques that can be utilized to create fire, three key components must ALWAYS be present in order for any method to be effective. They are:

  1. Heat: The energy source that raises a material to its ignition temperature.
  2. Fuel: Any combustible material that can burn, such as wood, paper, or gasoline.
  3. Oxygen: The oxidizing agent, usually from the air, that supports the combustion process.

When the basics of fire (heat, fuel, oxygen) are present and applied, combustion MUST occur. Removing any one of them extinguishes the flame. Generally speaking, this is how ALL skills work and the better you become at applying the basics of a skill, the better you will be at generating results.

How do I identify the basics of a skill?

The best way to learn basics is to be instructed by someone who has mastered the ins-and-outs of the particular skill you want to acquire. If you don’t have access to training, here are some steps you can take to identify basics on your own:

  1. Understand the End Goal: Know the objective of the skill and be able to clearly define the effect or outcome it is supposed to produce.
  2. Break It Down: Divide the skill into smaller parts that are necessary to achieve success – think in broad terms – attempt to answer the questions ‘WHY’ does it happen and ‘WHAT’ causes it to occur.
  3. Test It Out: Once you have compiled a list of possible basics, eliminate one component at a time and execute the skill to check for performance. If a part can be removed and the skill still works, it is NOT a basic.

To summarize:

When you understand the basics of a skill, you gain the ability to see the big picture and connect the dots between ‘WHY’ things happen and ‘WHAT’ causes them to occur. This comprehensive knowledge enables you to:

  1. Adapt to New Situations: Encountering situations that you haven't experienced before is inevitable. The basics of a skill are relevant to any scenario and can be applied to unfamiliar circumstances and conditions, making you more versatile and resourceful.
  2. Troubleshoot Effectively: When problems arise, you can identify the root cause and find solutions that lead to more effective and efficient outcomes.
  3. Evaluate: Knowing the basics enables you to analyze whether a piece of equipment, advice, or a technique is suitable for your needs. It also allows you to distinguish between high-quality and subpar options, ensuring you choose the best tools and methods.
  4. Innovate: With a solid grasp of the basics, you can think creatively and develop new methods or improvements. This enables you to tailor techniques and procedures to better fit your specific situation.
  5. Build Competence: Knowing the basics of a skill enhances consistency and proficiency, as you’re not just following steps or instructions but truly comprehending the process.

Remember, when it comes to effective performance, there is no substitute for the application of the basics. If you want to be really good at doing anything – keep things simple and get really good at doing the basics.