We’ve all heard the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” It’s usually delivered as a warning—don’t spread yourself too thin, pick one thing and get really good at it. But most people don’t know there’s a second part to the phrase: “But oftentimes better than a master of one.” Suddenly, the meaning shifts. It becomes less of a caution and more of a celebration of curiosity, breadth, and exploration.
When I think of Junior High students, I don’t immediately associate them with “mastering” anything—and that’s perfectly okay. Over the years, I’ve preached exploring opportunities, getting involved in school organizations, and finding something you’re passionate about. I still believe deeply in those directives. But recently, I’ve shifted my perspective on what it really means to “master” something.
What I’ve come to believe is this: it’s not the achievement of mastery that matters most—it’s the pursuit of mastery where the real magic happens.
When we encourage students to chase something they love, something they’re genuinely excited about, confidence begins to grow. And confidence, especially in young people, is a quiet superpower. Have you ever met a confident adult who wasn’t skilled at something? Chances are, they didn’t wake up one morning with expertise. Mastery—real mastery—takes time, effort, patience, and purpose.
Young people crave purpose just as much as adults do, but too often we try to assign it to them instead of helping them discover it. Instead of forcing paths, we should support their interests. If a teenager finds something that lights them up—music, robotics, art, athletics, baking, coding, storytelling—let’s help cultivate that interest into a pursuit. Along the way, their confidence will grow, and that confidence inevitably spills into every corner of their life: relationships, academics, decision-making, and future goals.