Practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent.
Perfect practice makes perfect.”
~Barbara Conable
Whatever you choose to do well will require practice. Playing a musical instrument, mastering a Martial Art or swinging a golf club, will require learning complex motor skills.
So called “naturals” are graced with coordination early but must train to reach professional levels.
Some people can even be very accomplished, and may eschew practice as if it were a virus, but most have to find practice rituals.
Here are some pitfalls to avoid and tips to achieve PERFECT PRACTICE.
Avoid the pitfall of misplaced confidence. Confidence is essential for high levels of performance, but many people perceive, as if they are practicing the RIGHT THINGS in the RIGHT WAYS. Their ability to sense what they’re doing is either limited or inaccurate. When they see a video or picture of themselves they will say “I don’t do that” but in reality that may be different.
You may need help to see yourself in action….
TIP: If there is no coach, get mirrors, cameras or videos for a reality check.
Once you’ve identified a problem and have decided to work on it, avoid the pitfall of thinking you know how to solve your problem.
The idea that you can stop practicing something you’ve done for a long time and immediately replace it with something else is folly.
TIP: Go back to the fundamentals of your practice and ask yourself if there is anything you’re thinking? or doing? that is unnecessary, unwanted or harmful. Although they may be unconscious, poor habits can rise to your awareness.
In order to achieve Perfect Practice, avoid the pitfall of Excessive Practice.
Persistence is key, not prolonged sessions. Although there are always notable exceptions, there are many more who ruined their talent by over practicing. As the ancient saying warns ”Continue to sharpen your blade and it will dull.”
Reliable and consistent change happens as a result of Emergent Properties of the brain/body connection. In other words, with Perfect Practice, innate talent will emerge.
For more on emergent properties, look for future blogs.
~ Ed Bilanchone
More Reading…..
Driving with F.M Alexander or Quick Fixes are for flat tires, not golf swings.
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