We’re talkin’ about practice | Deliberate Practice | Ted Lasso

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

The answer is practice, practice, practice.

While this is true, a more accurate answer is deliberate or mindful practice consistently over time, but clearly, it’s not pithy enough for a one-liner.

Mindful practice isn’t easy. It’s focused, purposeful, and systematic, compared to the “going through the motions” mindless practice that most tend to exercise.

And with today’s attention economy, it’s harder to remain focused, which creates a potential issue, the repetition of bad habits while not paying attention. We may believe that we are getting better, but we are likely reinforcing no beuno habits that lead us nowhere pleasant.

As I’m recovering from my total knee replacement, I credit mindful practice for helping me do something I haven’t been able to do in twenty years, flatten out my pedal stroke on the bike.

Yes, I would love to crank up the music and get prodded by Peloton’s cadre of instructors, but I’ve been riding with the volume off so I can be 100% focused on my pedaling technique.

This weekend in the States, we recognize Labor Day, and with every long weekend dating back to my corporate career, I like to Pause Breathe Reflect on these questions.

• How am I different today than January 1st?
• Where do I wish to be at the end of the year? This time next year?
• What do I need to practice to get there?

This week, I invite you to reflect on what you are consciously and unconsciously practicing, and are you focused on the right things to help you create your better tomorrow?

This week’s video is all about practicing. Ted Lasso, my new fav, inspired it, and it has some guest appearances from our friends Hopie and Jens.

Until next week, remember to Pause Breathe Reflect.

Happy Labor Day, and have fun storming the castle!