What is Practice?

My students are pretty honest. They tell me when they have practiced, and when they have not. Obviously, we can both tell when we meet, so there is no sense in lying. My position only becomes confusing when the story doesn't match the product - practice in (or so I'm told), and little progress.

I do the same thing, I admit.

The real problem is that I can "practice" and get something done, get nothing done, or get worse.

Practicing is problem solving. Practicing is fixing the things we don't like, and building better habits. Focused, honest practice gets things done.

Personally I have to be more careful, though. I still like to abuse my face - do it repeatedly, thinking that it's going to get better. Really, it's not getting better if I'm repeating it the same error-filled way. It's just becoming an unwanted habit!

I'll head off to practice now. I wish you the same good fortune.