03/18/2024
“What you practice grows stronger”
It is commonly understood that as we practice skills and tasks we gain efficacy and efficiency. Simply stated, we get better at what we do the more we do it.
I think we typically do an excellent job connecting how practice leads to improvement. We spend many days reviewing the alphabet and letters’ accompanying sounds in kindergarten to build the foundational reading skills needed for success. We drill dribbling, shooting, and defensive strategies in basketball practice to ensure peak performance come game time. We draw blueprints, build models, trial recipes, and complete algebra homework all with the understanding these efforts will guide us to optimal outcomes when it really matters.
How often, though, do we think about practicing and strengthening habits of thought, or even thinking of thoughts in that way?
That’s my focus for the week. Just like these observable skill-based efforts of repetition, routine lines of thought can be practiced and strengthened. I often hear self-critical, shaming, judgmental, and self-deprecating dialogues of self-talk. Is that what we want to keep practicing? Do we want to get stronger at that?
I don’t find it to be helpful for me or anyone else. In fact, I find it to be harmful and fuel for whatever was hard and challenging in the first place. We’d never respond that way to a toddler learning to walk who fell down, a young student struggling to keep pace with coursework, or a friend trying to learn a new skill at work. We wouldn’t respond that way because it doesn’t help and frankly, it’s cruel.
Instead, what shifts when we practice thoughts of kindness, compassion, love, and understanding? I’d like to find out. Would you?
I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but without a doubt if you asked me if I wanted to get better at shame and criticism or kindness and compassion, it would be an easy question to answer. The latter far outweighs the former. I don’t want to get better at hate, shame, judgment, anger, etc. The world has enough of that already.
This week, I am making an effort to double down on practicing patterns and skills or thought which are aligned with my ultimate goals. I hope you join along.
In your corner, always.
