From Salsa to Life: The Power of Practice Over Shortcuts
Pierre Khawand
Productivity and Leadership Evangelist * Mindfulness Programs Lead * Author * Speaker * Founder & CEO of People-OnTheGo
Alicia, my salsa instructor, always said, “There are no shortcuts; only practice will get you there.” Though she was teaching us the intricate steps of salsa, her wisdom resonated beyond the dance floor and became a life mantra for me.
The Bay Area was in the midst of salsa fever. It was a unique era, with salsa serving as a unifying force, creating a vibrant community. Notably, many techies from Silicon Valley sought solace in salsa, using it as an escape from the digital realm. It was a delightful contrast, watching individuals dance with passion, all while wearing the bulky first-generation cell phones on their belts—almost comical by today's standards. Anyone remembers these?
Like any new skill, many of us approached salsa with tech-minded tendencies. We were on the lookout for ways to 'optimize' our dancing, seeking hacks or shortcuts to become adept quickly. But as Alicia persistently reminded us, the secret wasn't in finding a faster way but in embracing the journey of practice. It wasn't just about mastering the steps but also immersing oneself in the music and letting go of overthinking.
领英推荐
This lesson from the dance studio extended to various facets of life—productivity, relationship-building, leadership, innovation, and even mindfulness meditation. For instance, when one begins meditation, the lure of 'optimizing' the experience can be tempting. You might find yourself chasing that one perfect session, only to be met with frustration when it remains elusive.
The crux of the matter is simple: truly valuable skills require time, dedication, and consistent effort. Instead of hunting for shortcuts, it's essential to cultivate a mindset of practice, patience, and persistence. If you're curious about these mindsets and practices, check out our mindfulness program !
Trainee Solicitor at A&O Shearman | Dual background in French and English Law | Spoken Word Poet and Storyteller
1 年What a great lesson! And yet another example of how dancing can improve every other aspect of our lives!
"The crux of the matter is simple: truly valuable skills require time, dedication, and consistent effort. Instead of hunting for shortcuts, it's essential to cultivate a mindset of practice, patience, and persistence." So true, Pierre, even if the lure of quick fixes is ever present.
It is that it is as much about the journey, as the destination.