A Steph Curry jumpshot. An Aaron Judge home run. A Tom Brady touchdown pass.

Each one iconic, impressive, and they make it look almost effortless.

That is because they have spent countless hours developing their skills.

The right skills are one of the biggest differentiators you can possess.

One of the most helpful ways to define a skill is as the ability to influence the future.

In its simplest terms, a skill allows you to achieve your desired outcome.

For example, take shooting a basketball. The better you are at shooting (higher skill), the more shots will go in. (desired outcome)

The formula for building a skill is simple but not easy.

It is: Time + Iteration = Skill.

Time. A bit self-explanatory but nonetheless essential. You have to spend time doing the skill.

Not studying the skill, not thinking about the skill, not talking about the skill.

Actually doing the skill.

Want to write better? Write. Want to read faster? Read. Want to budget better? Then budget.

There are no substitutions. You have to put in the time.

Iterations. Learn from your mistakes.

Your ability to iterate will determine how fast you develop a skill.

This is the skill that helps you develop every other skill.

The only way to iterate is to put in the time doing the skill.

Do the skill.

Be bad at the skill.

Figure out what is making you bad at the skill.

Iterate.

Do the skill again.

Repeat.

This is not easy but it is simple.

This is how you build skills.

And the skills that you build will determine your future.

Go out and make a difference.