Skill mastery is a priority for success in all fields. We present a parallel between the development of skill mastery and the process of solving jigsaw puzzles. We show that iterative random sampling solves jigsaw puzzles in two phases: a lag phase that is characterized by little change and occupies the majority of the time, and a growth phase that marks rapid and imminent puzzle completion. Changes in the proportions of the number of single pieces and larger pieces can be overlaid on the timeline and progression of skill mastery. An emphasis is placed on the development of connections between pieces, which serves as an indicator of increasing puzzle completion and increasing skill mastery. Our manuscript provides a straightforward visual of skill mastery in the context of a common recreational activity.

翻译：技能掌握是所有领域取得成功的关键。我们提出技能掌握的发展与解决拼图问题过程之间的并行性。研究表明，迭代随机采样通过两个阶段解决拼图问题：一个以微小变化为特征、占据大部分时间的停滞阶段，以及一个标志着快速且即将完成拼图的增长阶段。单块数与大块数比例的变化可以叠加在技能掌握的时间线与进展上。我们强调块间连接的发展，这既是拼图完成度增加的指示器，也是技能掌握水平提升的指标。本文通过在常见休闲活动背景下，为技能掌握提供了直观的可视化呈现。