Does practice make perfect?

When we’re a little stuck in a rut, with a problem or just the mystery of what to do next, speaking to someone is a great thing. We’ve all had such diverse experiences and see the world in different ways. Sometimes this means we don’t see eye to eye but the beauty of these times is the spark of insight that comes from our confusion. Are you confused now? Look out for that insight!! ??

I was chatting to a friend about the frustration of learning something new. Him with his welder, wanting to jump in (assumingly dangerously) without reading the manual to finish his masterpiece. Me with a new song I’m learning on the guitar.?

We both fondly fed off each other's frustration with how long it took until it was going to work perfectly. But, aren’t we always just practising?

You’ve heard the saying, “practice makes perfect” and maybe a variation, “perfect practice makes perfect.” I hope you also realise there is no such thing as perfection. Do you agree that even when we have put in 10,000 hours or been crowned the top of our profession, there is still another level to reach? It’s endless.?

So there is no ultimate perfection, no end goal, no final destination. We can always go further so we are always just practising. If we’re always just practising we darn well better enjoy it! If not, find a perspective that can help guide you.?

My insight was in this message. If I’m never going to play my song perfectly, then why not just enjoy what I’ve done so far.?

What’s amazing is the next day after practising our minds have somehow solidified the work we did yesterday, so we play better or the same task seems a little easier. For me, this not only encourages me to practise again but also emphasises the value of my insight that we should enjoy it, day after day, and forget about the perfect destination.?

I find a certain calmness in never having to feel the pressure of trying to be perfect.

Enjoy your practice.?

Tim.