Practice

I was raised in the practice makes perfect school of thought. Not long into my coaching career it became quite clear that practice did not make perfect, it made permanent. I quickly realized that whatever I practiced must be “right” or I would just be repeating errors. My train of thought evolved to the point where the goal became perfect practice so that what I made permanent would have a direct transfer to the competition. I was continually learning about the process needed to achieve “perfect practice.” The actionable word here is process. I learned that sharp focus on the process allowed me to take positive steps toward achieving perfect practice. My thinking evolved toward stressing quality practice instead of perfect practice since quality is a measure of perfect and although perfection is seldom achieved it is something to continually strive for. This was a breakthrough for me and the results were quickly apparent in my coaching. A continual stress on quality was also something I observed in great coaches and athletes.

So what is quality practice? Simply put is mindful and goal driven. There are certain characteristics of quality practice. Step one – Show up everyday, not just physically that is a given. I mean show up mentally, be here now, in the moment with all your faculties. The second step is an outgrowth of the first; you must train the workout, not just do it. Going through the motions, punching the clock is not quality practice; it does not get it done. Focus, focus, focus – Have a measurable goal for each training session. Make the goal oriented to the process and the process related to the long term goals and objectives of the whole training plan. The process helps to break everything into bite-sized chucks that allow incremental steps toward the bigger competitive goal. Thoroughly plan the workout and work the plan. Time, measure and record everything. Progress occurs step by step. Make each session count! Each practice is an opportunity to improve if you are clear on what you want to improve. Have a routine and stick to that routine so that it almost becomes a ritual. Minimize distractions. Get it right the first time. Quality practice makes practice count.