I am inspired by people who are masters of their craft.

My toddler is an expert in the art of mastery. Yesterday I watched him unlock the door to his dad’s truck, open the door, climb in, sit in the driver’s seat, start the engine, stop the engine, climb out of the truck, shut the door, lock the door, pretend to put the keys away, and start the process all over again. He did this for an hour straight, stopping only when I persuaded him to let ME drive so that we could go visit his Uncle Russell.

The film Jiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of another expert in the art of mastery: 85-year-old Jiro Ono, regarded by many as the world’s greatest sushi chef. After being abandoned by his parents when he was nine years old, Jiro founded Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant, humbly situated in a Tokyo subway station. It is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide, and sushi aficionados from around the world make repeated pilgrimages, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar.

How did Jiro do it? Talent alone, he explains, is not enough:

“Once you decide upon your occupation, you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That is the secret to success and is the key to being regarded honorably.”

Whatever your profession, if you are interested in the art of mastery, I highly recommend spending time with a toddler and Jiro Dreams of Sushi.