We took a few days off and stayed on a houseboat in Bath. One morning, we walked on the path along the canal. Near one of bridges, tucked away behind a hedge between the canal and the traintracks was a small shop. It was almost invisible except for a chalk sign. It was a vegetable shop run by the ‘farmer’ – a young fella who farmed a patch of land, less than an acre in size between the canal and train tracks. It was almost unbelivable that such a thing would exist in Bath. He politely introduced himself and stated that all the veg was grown by him organically and sustainably, and that he transported everything from his field to the shop by bicycle. No fuels were used in the process. He then said that was his ‘pitch’. He also added that he’s been growing for close to four years so he’s almost achieved the 10,000 hours, or a state of mastery.
That was curious, I thought! Around about the same time I was reading ‘Drive’, by Daniel Pink. It talks about the three key elements needed for motivation in one’s pursuits: autonomy, purpose and mastery. Clearly this fella had achieved all of that! It was such a delight to see and he exuded all three elements. I was really impressed how strongly he felt about his mission (purpose) and how seriously he was talking it (mastery!). He wasn’t just autonomous, he was sustainable and self-sufficient!
The produce looked vibrant on a grey day in Bath. I couldn’t help but stock up on some kale, raddishes and green leaves.
In the end, I couldn’t be bothered to finish reading the book, Drive. The concept seems to be sufficiently incapsulated in the RSA animation. And anyway, it’s always great to learn from others have have already figured it out by just what they feel is right.