Achieving excellence does not happen by accident, nor is it the result of talent or luck. It is always the result of intention, preparation and deliberate practice.
Excellence = Intention + Preparation + Deliberate Practice
‘Intention’ refers to having a clear and focused goal or purpose. Without a clear intention, efforts will lack direction and purpose
‘Preparation’ involves the groundwork and planning necessary to lay the foundation for success, including acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources.
‘Practice’ is the final (if not most important) piece of the equation. However, it’s not just practice, its deliberate practice. Unlike mindless repetition or casual engagement in activities, deliberate practice refers to a specific type of practice characterised by focused, purposeful effort to improve performance. It involves breaking the skill down into smaller components, identifying areas for improvement and systematically working to address them.
This type of practice is intense, mentally demanding, and often not inherently enjoyable. It often involves discomfort, frustration, and setbacks. However, it is highly effective in fostering skill development, expertise, and mastery.
How much practice is enough practice?
One theory that has captured widespread attention is the 10,000-hour rule, which originated from the ground breaking work of psychologist Anders Ericsson. According to this theory, attaining mastery in any domain requires approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice.
To put this into perspective, consider the sheer magnitude of 10,000 hours. If one were to dedicate 8 hours per day to deliberate practice, mastery could be attained in 5 years. Scaling down to 4 hours a day would extend the journey to 10 years, while practicing 2 hours per day would take 20 years.
While the 10,000-hour rule has sparked debate and scepticism, its underlying message remains crystal clear: excellence or mastery is earned through grit, determination, and relentless deliberate practice.
But don’t let this daunting figure discourage you. Even dedicating a few hours to deliberate practice can yield noticeable improvements over time. After all, it’s the consistent, incremental efforts that pave the way to mastery.
Dr Suzanne & Arron Haining
Your Organisational and Personal Coaching
Envicto Coaching
