Practice Redefined

practice (noun). A process of increasing proficiency in an activity or way of being that incorporates, to varying degrees, systemized repetition, awareness, intention, and creativity.

The traditional definition of practice – a process of repeating something many times in order to improve performance (Encarta Dictionary) – implies that repetition itself is the sole causal agent for progress. If that were so, then anyone who played golf as often as Tiger Woods would be as good, and we know this isn’t true.

Practice redefined

Does repetition matter when it comes to increasing proficiency at something? Yes, of course, but we argue there is more. Part of our work here at Practice lies in the continual discovery, clarification and articulation of those variables in ourselves that we can refine in order to experience a greater sense of joy and wellbeing in our bodies, minds, relationships, and society. Genetic predisposition and talent both rank highly as factors for great performance, though we don’t consider them as fundamental aspects of practice, because even in their absence we can still progress.

In our working definition of practice we look to those factors that are present, to varying degrees, in both the neophyte and the master and to date we find four: systemized repetition; awareness; intention (which includes both attention, the ability to focus on an object, and motivation); and creativity (or novelty), which is prerequisite for problem solving. For a more detailed explanation of these, please see the practice blog.