Still Sharpening the Blade: Why Mastery Is Never Finished

In this final episode of the year, I share the fifth and final insight ChatGPT challenged me to talk about more: my commitment to lifelong learning and mastery—even after 40 years in business. I unpack why the most dangerous thing a veteran can do is coast on past wins, and why growth isn’t optional if you want to stay relevant: competition improves, customer expectations evolve, and technology changes the game.

I also share a Jim Rohn story about what it means to keep working your craft, plus lessons from my mentor Tim Wood on experimenting, adjusting, and continuing forward—even when your path isn’t a straight line. If you’ve hit a plateau, felt complacent, or wondered if it’s “too late” to reinvent yourself, this episode is your reminder: it’s not.

In this episode:

• Why “not improving” quietly becomes falling behind

• The power of compounded effort over decades

• How to experiment your way into the next level

• Real-world reminders that growth can start late (and still win big)

If this helps you, share it with someone who needs a reset going into the new year.