I'm on tour again, this time with two of our kids, as Ben, our eldest, is accompanying our daughter Shara Rose at one of her shows this weekend. As I've listened to them practice and talk about music, I'm reminded of one of the things I admire about my performer children. It is the intentional practice they've put in to achieve the results and success they are now enjoying. It's not by accident or good luck that they can stand on stages or entertain crowds, but rather through their work and diligent practice over many years that they are now receiving rewards. Research has shown that it's not merely talent, connections, or even experience that separates the best from the rest, but rather an intentional effort and what we do each day to grow and increase that changes everything. Deliberate and strategic practice and pinpointing an area to improve our craft or what we are working on will cause us to reap the most visible and tangible rewards. It's like when my son's guitar teacher says, "Don't keep playing the whole piece over and over when it's bar 8 onwards that you are having trouble with. "Pinpoint what you need to improve and set goals to practice that specifically, and you will see results faster.
It’s when we focus rather than spend time on repetitive general actions that enable us to see real results, which will then encourage us to keep going.
Today I encourage you to be deliberate about what you are doing and want to achieve. Whether it's a hobby, you want to get better at or enjoy more, a new or old skill, a course of study, or just leading a healthier lifestyle, consistently practising an aspect of what you want to change and increase in every day will help you achieve your goals.
When you practice, you get better. It's very simple because practising keeps you focused on what you want to do and become. It is a never-ending refining process. If you are persistent in practice, you will get it. And if you are consistent in practice, you will keep it.
Enjoy practising today.
"The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9 NLT)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
"A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." (Proverbs 10:4 ESV)
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that with you I can do all things. Would you please help me to be focused and deliberate in the activities and things I think about each day so that I can become the best I can be in what you have gifted and blessed me with. In Jesus name Amen.
Comments