January 16, 2025

It's an old tale - that we get better at what we practice. Sports clearly help bring this tale to life. Kids learning their times tables. Or tying their shoes. My daughter for instance, at the start of her school year could not hang on to the monkey bar. She would fall right off. What did I say to her? “Love, you keep practicing because when you practice"

-"you get better, right dad?"

I suppose I've been coaching her just right. We do get better. At the monkey bars she is called by all “the monkey bar queen.” As you can imagine, I'm very proud of her persistence and understanding that with a repeated effort or action, we get better.

We get better at math. Having hard conversations. Dating. Cooking. Our exercise regimen. Writing. Reading. Sudoku. Business or leadership. All moments, each day, are more of that - practice. But is it turned the right direction?

Today, people are practicing how fast they can drive without getting noticed. Practicing how far they can delay before action is required. Practicing getting angry at some strangers comments, or likely a bot, on social media. People are practicing blaming others or how society owes them reparations. Practicing making plans or brainstorming instead of actually doing 'it.'

Since practice is the application or using of an idea, belief or method - in the act of repeating a behavior to improve and ultimately become a master at something. What are you practicing?

What are you becoming a master towards?

Where are your actions being repeated?

James Clear writes that there are "two simple rules.

1. You get better at what you practice.

2. Everything is practice.”

My personal belief is if I want to improve or have something, it first must be tested to then become part of me. Like being patient, compassionate, forgiving, or kind. Opposite experiences must occur in order to practice building such traits and in knowing that, I feel better prepared to handle my day-to-day. This year my practice is centered around concentration.

With everything. With everyone. In all circumstances.