It’s a Decision

In 2000, a quiet, unremarkable young man waited nervously at the NFL draft. His name?

Tom Brady. He wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t the strongest or fastest. In fact, he was the 199th pick passed over by every team multiple times.

But what followed would change sports history. Over the next two decades, Brady became the winningest quarterback of all time, earning seven Super Bowl rings and redefining what longevity, leadership, and preparation look like in professional sports.

How?

Not raw talent. Relentless commitment to his craft. A willingness to obsess over every detail diet, sleep, film study, footwork. He turned every weakness into an edge.

Half a world away in a Tokyo subway station, a man named Jiro Ono has spent over 70 years perfecting a simple dish: sushi.

His restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, has just 10 seats. No menu. No marketing. And yet it earned three Michelin stars and global acclaim including a documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

Why? Because Jiro’s pursuit of excellence is absolute. He apprentices chefs for years before letting them touch the rice. He selects fish personally at dawn. He has spent his life chasing perfection in repetition.

What These Two Have in Common

At first glance, a Japanese sushi master and an American football legend couldn’t be more different.

But they share something rare:

  • Humble beginnings

  • Total immersion in their craft

  • And a devotion so deep, it reshaped the people and systems around them

Jiro’s apprentices call working for him the hardest and most rewarding experience of their lives. Brady’s teammates say his discipline raised their own standards. Neither just became great. They made greatness contagious.

Choosing Mastery in Your Own Work

Most people flirt with mastery. They dabble. Try hard when it’s easy. Seek applause before understanding.

But mastery begins when you decide:

I’m not chasing results—I’m chasing understanding.

It’s when good enough isn’t good enough anymore. When you fall in love with nuance, repetition, and the slow build.

It’s a quiet decision. But one that changes everything.

Encouragement for the Ones Still Climbing

If your work feels invisible right now.

If your breakthroughs come slowly, or your progress feels thankless.

That’s okay.

Because mastery isn’t about quick wins. It’s about showing up with curiosity, commitment, and care. Even when no one’s watching.

You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

The Invitation

We celebrate what’s loud and viral. But the future belongs to those who are willing to go deep.

So ask yourself:

What’s the one thing you’d be willing to master—even if it takes years?

Let that commitment elevate your standards. Inspire your team. Refine your craft until even the smallest details carry your signature.

Make greatness contagious.

Brian B Brady

CEO | Inciting Incident