Master Success: Focus, Habits, and Repetition Inspired by Gukesh Dommaraju's Chess Victory

Gukesh Dommaraju’s story is the kind of tale that lingers in your mind, not just for its brilliance but for the way it reflects the quiet power of devotion, discipline, and dreams. Born into a middle-class family in India, Gukesh’s journey to becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever is as much about grit as it is about genius. His victory over Ding Liren at just 18 years old isn’t merely a chessboard triumph; it’s a testament to the transformative potential of clarity and purpose.

From an early age, Gukesh seemed to possess an extraordinary sense of direction. He knew what he wanted. While many children dabble in hobbies or explore fleeting interests, Gukesh’s connection to chess was profound and unwavering. It wasn’t just play—it was passion, and that passion became his compass. Underneath this clarity, however, lay something even more remarkable: the unwavering commitment of his parents, who sacrificed their comforts to nurture his talent. Their belief in their son and their relentless efforts to provide him with opportunities became the fertile soil in which his dreams could grow.

For most of us, such clarity doesn’t happen so organically. Life is often filled with competing interests, distractions, and uncertainty about where our true potential lies. And that’s okay. Unlike Gukesh, whose singular focus emerged naturally, many of us need a process to discover our path. Finding clarity is a skill—one that can be developed and refined with the right tools and mindset.

The good news is that this understanding is within reach. With purposeful exploration and intentional action, anyone can uncover their true potential and begin to align their life with their aspirations. It starts with asking the right questions: What drives me? What brings me joy? Where do I lose track of time? These answers may not appear overnight, but with focus and persistence, the pieces begin to fall into place.

Focus: The Power of Being Fully Present

Focus is the first key. It’s no surprise that Gukesh’s success stemmed from his ability to channel his energy fully into the moment. He practiced, studied, and competed with unwavering attention, shutting out distractions to immerse himself in the intricacies of the game. For most of us, this level of focus feels elusive, especially in a world buzzing with constant notifications and endless demands. But focus isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. By creating intentional, distraction-free blocks of time to work on meaningful goals, we train our minds to stay present and engaged.

Research supports the critical role of focus in achieving excellence. A study published in Psychological Science found that individuals who can sustain attention and block out distractions perform significantly better on complex tasks, particularly those requiring long-term strategic thinking. For youth, practicing focus improves academic performance and helps develop problem-solving skills.

However, ‘focus’ is increasingly rare in today’s distraction-filled world. Digital devices interrupt our attention every few minutes, making it harder for young people to stay present. One way to rebuild focus is to practice "deep work," as outlined by researcher and author Cal Newport. This involves setting aside uninterrupted time to work on a single task. Just as Gukesh spent hours studying games without distraction, anyone can train their focus to be sharper, more sustained, and more effective.

Habits: The Quiet Foundation of Success

Habits are the unsung heroes of success. Gukesh’s rise to the top wasn’t a result of one extraordinary effort; it was built on the foundation of daily practice, structured routines, and mental conditioning. These habits created the consistency he needed to thrive under pressure.

Science agrees. Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit highlights how habits drive 40% of our daily behaviors. A good habit not only helps us achieve immediate goals but also rewires our brains over time, making success more natural and sustainable. Studies have shown that habits, such as establishing a consistent bedtime or regular study sessions, improve cognitive function and emotional regulation in young people.

One inspiring example comes from Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who followed the same pre-race routine for years. This routine helped him stay calm and focused, even under immense pressure. Habits create stability, a sense of control, and a roadmap for success—even when the stakes are high.

Repetition: The Path to Mastery

Repetition isn’t glamorous, but it’s where greatness is forged. For Gukesh, repetition meant solving countless puzzles, replaying iconic games, and competing in endless tournaments. Each moment of practice sharpened his instincts and deepened his understanding of the game.

The science of repetition is clear: consistent practice is essential to mastering any skill. The 10,000-Hour Rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, states that achieving world-class expertise in any field requires roughly 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. While this number may vary depending on the individual, the principle remains true: mastery requires time and effort focused on meaningful activities.

One study in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition found that deliberate practice, where individuals actively work to improve their weaknesses, is far more effective than casual practice. This approach mirrors how Gukesh refined his chess strategies—by analyzing mistakes, solving problems, and continuously pushing his boundaries.

Repetition also builds resilience. Each failed attempt becomes a stepping stone to improvement. Whether you're learning to play the piano, write a book, or perfect a presentation, repetition turns effort into expertise and obstacles into opportunities.

What Gukesh’s Journey Teaches Us

Gukesh’s story isn’t just about winning a championship; it’s about living with intention. His journey highlights three timeless principles that research continually validates:

1. Focus Helps Us Navigate Complexity: Studies show that focused attention enhances decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving. Whether in chess or life, clarity of thought is key.

2. Habits Build the Foundation for Growth: Small, consistent actions compound over time, creating stability and momentum. Neuroscience reveals that good habits rewire the brain for success, providing a framework for achieving long-term goals.

3. Repetition Cultivates Mastery: Whether it’s chess, sports, or any skill, repeated practice sharpens ability, builds confidence, and fosters resilience.

These principles aren’t confined to chess—they’re for anyone seeking excellence in any field.

Purple Wins: Coaching for Intentional Success

At Purple Wins, we believe in the transformative power of focus, habits, and repetition. Our coaching philosophy is built around these principles, helping individuals align their actions with their aspirations and build lives of purpose and achievement.

That’s why we created coaching packages designed to help you take the first steps toward your goals. With personalized guidance, actionable strategies, and ongoing support, this program empowers you to focus on what matters, build productive habits, and stay consistent in your efforts.

So, will you choose focus over distraction, discipline over chaos, and consistency over hesitation? Will you invest in your growth, your skills, and your dreams?

The chessboard of life is set. The pieces are in your hands. The next move is yours.