Deliberate Practice vs Repetition

Consistency is key, we have said it many times before. But what is consistency without quality?

What I mean by this is that if you are committing yourself to keep consistent with the same thing everyday, on the path to achieving your goals, don't you want to make sure the effort you are putting in is effective?

Deliberate practice refers to consistency that is purposeful and systematic. While repetition might include mindless litany, deliberate practice demands focused attention. Being deliberate with your consistency means being 100% present when you are applying effort.

In the beginning, when you are just starting your journey to achieve your goals and you are just starting to create a new habit, showing up consistently is the most important thing. But after a while when we have mastered the effort we begin to lack connection with what we are actually doing. A lack of connection is a missed opportunity for growth and improvement.

As we have learnt, the natural tendency of the human brain is to transform repeated behaviour into automatic habits. How many of you can remember whether you put your left leg or your right leg into your pants first this morning?

You get my point. The more you repeat a task the more mindless it becomes.

The greatest difference between deliberate practice and repetition is feedback. To master the efforts of consistency you must remain open and develop methods of receiving continual feedback.

Two main ways to receive feedback when chasing your greatest desires is through measurement and coaching. The things we measure are the things we improve. It is through this that we are able to see the progress we are making, whether it be forwards or even backwards. Creating a continuous feedback loop allows us to stay on track!

Coaches are essential for sustained deliberate practice. In almost all case studies of successful achievers, they have had a coach or mentor keeping them focused. It’s not easy to do it all at once on your own, that’s why coaching can be so beneficial. Another person in your corner supporting you is holding you accountable to delivering your best effort each day.

The reality is; we have the capacity to do anything we want to do. Deliberate practice is not always a comfortable activity but it is essential. It is the difference between becoming good and becoming great. If you can master the art of deliberate practice then you unlock your ability to be a lifelong learner, soaring beyond those stuck in repetition. A life of exploring, experimenting and refining.

Enjoy! 

x Spritz Mindset