But the real story behind Zaharias fairy-tale success was her painstaking diligence.

Her success came from studied repetition. In every sport she undertook, she was methodical, deliberate, and persistent. She was neither “natural” nor “automatic.”

When, for example, she played golf for the first time, she did not automatically master the game. Instead she studied the game carefully, covering all its complex skill sets, under the tutelage of the finest golf teacher she could find.

She looked at all the elements of the golf swing, broke it down into parts, then put it all together in a fluid movement.

Besides using an analytical approach to understand the game, Zaharias also locked the information into her motor nervous system through exhaustive practice. She would spend as many as 12 hours a day on the golf course, hitting as many as a thousand balls. Her hands would often becomes so sore that she could hardly grip her club. She stopped only long enough to tape up her hands before picking up the club again.

Zaharias learned to play golf the right way. She started out by hiring an exceptional teacher. She analyzed each part of the golf swing then put them all together in a fluid motion. She practiced for about 12 hours a day. She exercised self-discipline and self-sacrifice. And she didn’t doubt herself. Her previous successes had created an enduring self-confidence. She believed that if she applied herself she would be a golf champion. She proved this belief true.

Zaharias took a risk. She risked her reputation as an athlete by trying something new. She also risked the time and money it cost her to perfect her new sport.

Above all, she was methodical in the way she went about inventing herself as a champion golfer. She chose a gifted teacher, studied all aspects of the game, and put her new knowledge into practice, converting theory into motor learning, coordination, and stamina.

In your own life, you can model her success strategy

Learn how to master your area of endeavor the right way. Start out by finding the people and books that will make you exceptional. Seek out the best sources of information that you can afford.

Analyze each part of the skill you wish to master, then put it all together to create a fluid, form. Develop first a theoretical understanding, then a practical one. When you practice your knowledge, your work will flow and appear effortless.

Practice relentlessly. Spend long hours practicing. Keep a regular schedule for your activity. If you have long gaps between practice, you will lose some momentum in mastering your skill. The cumulative effect of practice will make you exceptional.

Self-discipline will come from imagination. When you can create a burning desire by imagining your ultimate success, self-discipline will happen spontaneously. If you don’t have a burning desire, you may want to rethink your goals. Unless you feel passionate about your goals, the smallest obstacle will throw you off course.

Believe in yourself. Recall all the previous successes you’ve had in your life. Use these memories to build an enduring self-confidence. When you believe that you can do something, you will find a way to make your belief come true.

If you methodically prepare for your own particular game, like Zaharias did, you will find yourself on the way to mastery.

It isn’t easy to become exceptional at anything. Zaharias learned the skill of training to be phenomenal. She translated burning desire into methodical study and relentless practice. This is what you, too, must learn if you wish to master anything.

Until next time, my friend, I wish you all the best in the world.

P.S. Remember, stay the course. If you can keep up with each issue, you'll develop an irresistible momentum toward a life of happiness, success, and contribution.