Over the last 30 years, I have been continuously training at least one runner (sort of like an intern or mentee) at all times. I used to think knowing and telling my runners the steps was enough. Follow the playbook. Don’t screw it up. But I was wrong. Seth Godin nailed this idea in his blog below: memorizing the steps only works until the world changes. You want to win? Learn the concept. Master the system. And that is why I created and now teach L.O.C.K. Here is my process for teaching and passing on my wisdom:
1. Learn: Don’t just do the task — understand it. Ask questions. Dig deep. Learn the why, not just the what.
2. Own: Knowing steps isn’t owning. You own it when you can teach it, tweak it, make it better, and run it smooth under pressure.
3. Compress: Once you own it, you can start doing it faster. You can speed up without losing quality. This is only possible once you master the first two steps.
4. Kaizen (Always): Things will change. Your process/systems need to as well. Kaizen is continuous learning. It keeps you sharp. Review, refine, repeat. This is how you stay relevant.
L.O.C.K. is built for pros who want to adapt, grow, and crush it long-term. The steps might change — but when you understand the system, you win no matter what. Learn more on the steps vs. the concepts below.
The Fantastic Life Rule #7:
Stay Out of the Gap
The Gap appears when you give up between learning something and owning it. Don’t get stuck just understanding the process. To get where you want to be, you need to truly master and continue improving your skills. Always.
The steps vs. the concept
By: Seth Godin
April 19, 2025
If you memorize the steps, you have a direct, simple and fast path to obtain the result.
Until the world changes.
Even the tiniest shift in the system will render your memorization useless.
On the other hand, if you understand the concept, you’ll be able to produce the steps whenever you need them.