“Practice…”
Shared by Breanne Smedley
I was reading about the concept of “deliberate practice” this morning, as it pertains to becoming great at anything.
The idea is easy to understand.
All hours are created equal.
But not all hours are used equally.
Athlete “A” and athlete “B” can both spend the same amount of hours practicing their craft, yet can produce very different results.
Take some of my players, for example.
Most, by the time they become seniors in the program, have practiced for roughly the same amount of time.
Yet, it’s obvious that some outperform others. Why?
Some may argue talent, physical ability, or genetics.
I disagree.
I believe the difference lies in the mindset that separates the two athletes.
Specifically, the mindset of deliberate, intentional practice.
The quality of the reps, rather than the reps themselves.
Going through the motions, rather than focusing on executing each movement perfectly.
Working on what’s comfortable and easy, rather than working on the weaknesses that could make the athlete look “bad.”
No, not all hours are used equally. Just showing up isn’t enough to make a difference.
I was thinking about this as I was hanging out with Brett yesterday.
In a rare moment, Charlee was asleep and we were both on the couch, relaxing and chatting about our days.
No TV, phones, distractions from the dishes, or the dinner that needed to be made.
Just hanging out, catching up, and connecting over our days.
Deliberately practicing our relationship.
Similar to developing excellence in sports or mastering a skill, the hours that I spend with my family have the opportunity to enhance and strengthen our bonds, or not.
There have certainly been times when Brett and I have been in the same room, technically spending time together, but not connecting at all.
Just like in sports, it’s the quality of the reps that count.
Are we just going through the motions of our relationship, or intentionally seeking each other out?
Are we staying comfortable always, or working through the areas of weakness?
Just showing up is the first step.
How we use the time after that, though, makes all the difference.
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#IntegrallyRelational
#MindfullyEvolving
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