The article below introduces the idea that if we want to get better at something we need to go about it deliberately and that anything less will lead to sub-maximal progress. The article is based on the concept of deliberate practice and explores what it is, why it is so important and how to do it.
Practice is a commonly used word and typically describes the process of repeating something with the intention of getting better at it. Examples may include processes at work, skills in sports or techniques used in leadership and management. Doing is another phrase commonly used when describing daily actions but the significant distinction is that doing often does not involve the intention to improve or is conducted in a way which will produce improvement.
Deliberate practice is another level above and involves a purposeful and systematic approach to improvement. It requires an individual to push beyond their comfort zone, working towards well-defined goals envisaged through clear mental models and performed with intense focus and feedback from others.
Some principles of deliberate practice include:
The question for us all is whether our current efforts to improve would be characterised at doing, practising or deliberately practising?
Regular practice is fine for maintaining skills and can also aid the improvement of skills, particularly in the early stages of learning but deliberate practice has a number of advantages:
Below are series of actions that individuals can take to move on from doing or sub-maximal practice and implement deliberate practice.
Get motivated
Successfully using deliberate practice is a long-term commitment full of possible set-backs and frustration and so the first step is to generate a deep sense of motivation towards change. Keep an eye of the end goal and the possible rewards but more importantly, find intrinsic reasons to motivate yourself as these will be more stable.
Get specific
Success deliberate practice focuses on small, achievable, well-defined steps that build towards meaningful improvement. Break down large skills or processes into smaller chunks which can be completed in small time-frames. Ensure that goals, targets and individual steps build progressively in difficulty, pushing you out of your comfort zone and asking a little more of you each time.
Get clarity
Successful deliberate practice requires the individual to have a clear mental model of what effective performance looks like. This model enables the individual to monitor their performance and their progress towards the goal. Accurate models enable measurement and subsequently provide information about the success of the practice and the area (s) for development.
Get systematic
Deliberate practice by nature does not happen by accident and individuals must create a plan of what, why, when and how in order to gain the maximum benefit. Deliberate practice sessions should be repeated regularly over time so as to take advantage of the spacing effect and memory recall. Deliberate practice requires intense focus and so individuals should ensure that planned practice sessions are consciously initiated and completed without distraction. Individuals wanting to get the most out of their deliberate practice must also systematically protect time for rest and recovery so that motivation and cognitive resources can be kept at their maximum.
Get help
Deliberate practice is best completed with the aid of a coach or mentor who can provide feedback in regards to errors, suggestions for improvement and adjustments to the mental model. Coaches and mentors also provide boosts in motivation when required and positive reinforcement regarding progress and improved performance. The presence of feedback from an external source is one of the key differences between standard practice and the transformational impact of deliberate practice.
