There is no replacement for repetition.

There is no replacement for repetition.

I’d put quotes around it and give credit to myself, but I’m sure it’s been said or, at the very least, something like it.

So then, what does it mean?

Well, I suppose a safe place to start would be to define the pieces and then apply it to whatever your circumstance may be.

For the sake of reverse engineering, let’s start at the end and work back.

rep-i-tit-ion

noun

the act of repeatedly doing something.

re-place-ment

noun

a person or thing that takes the place of another

All right, we’re ready to put it back together…

“There is no act of repeatedly doing something that takes the place of another”

Hmmm...that reads like...well...an ice cream cone left in the sun - messy. Let’s refine it.

“There is nothing that takes the place of doing something repeatedly”

Ah, that feels more like a sentence. One more time.

“There is nothing that can replace doing something repeatedly”

Okay, almost back to where we started so this seems like a good place to apply the understanding. To make this applicable for your life, it’s a 3 step process.

Here’s how it works…

1. Define what the highest and best use of your time is.?

• Are you a networker??
• Can you make spreadsheets seem easy?
• Maybe you’re a whiz at project management?

Define - What is the thing you are best at??

By defining the thing you are best at, you’ll quickly see where the highest and best use of your time is. This is where you make maximal impact for your effort.

PRO TIP: If you are not in a place where you are applying the highest and best use of your time, look for a new place. A new place can be a new role within your current company or a completely new career.

2. Decide to be even better at it. That’s it, that’s the step. Give yourself permission to be an absolute beast at the thing you are best at. The most important part of this step is intentionality. It is a decision to be great, not a coincidence.

3. Create an environment where you are able to continue sharpening the sword.

For me, it’s talking to people about “what if?” scenarios because ideas and stories are the things I am particularly good at. For you, it’s going to be centered around what you are great at.?

Here’s the thing.

You have to make room for your gift.?

It may mean punting on things you aren’t great at.

It may mean trusting other people to do things that you really enjoy doing because it is the thing they are great at. It may mean some discomfort. That’s called growing pain and eventually, it goes away.

But to realize your true potential, you have to make room for your gift...because there is no replacement for repetition.