How to practice like it matters
I just finished playing a game of golf with my son. He is trying out for his high school team so it is important to him to be at his best. Me, I’m not trying out for any team, and even if I were, I would get cut after the first hole. In a word, I “suck”. My son on the other hand is pretty good. Our game today was a practice run for him. It wasn’t for me and there lies the difference in the quality of our games.
He practiced like it mattered. Me, I just teed up as fast as I could and let ‘er fly. I also tried to “powder” the ball as hard as I could. There’s something primal about hitting a ball as hard as you can- me man. My son had a lot more discipline and finesse. He took his time with each tee and tried to adjust the power of his swing depending on the length of the hole. He handled his short game with with patience and deliberation.
To practice anything that’s important requires discipline and finesse. Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. You have to take your time and try and do it right. So, if you want to excel in anything it requires a consistent discipline in practicing perfectly and a deft touch adjusting for the changing topography of everyday life. You can’t just wing it and expect good results.
I hope my son makes the team. His practice matters to him and to me.
August 7, 2012 @ 10:38 am
Good luck to Josh! 🙂
August 7, 2012 @ 2:26 pm
Jeff, I love these stories and wisdom from time with your son. Much like my posts at http://www.thegratefuldad.org, you’ve captured the everyday lessons of ‘Full-Circle Fatherhood’ with simple poignancy. Thanks for sharing, and keep up your good work as a blogger and a father.
Gratefully,
Doug Gertner
The Grateful Dad
July 19, 2016 @ 10:17 pm
C’est du travail, mais c’est tellement bon la gelée de groseille maison! J’ai cueilli des grsoeilles samedi et j’ai fait une tarte, mais la gelée c’est ma maman qui l’a faite! Il reste encore des fruits, je pense que j’en ferai bientôt, je procède à peu près comme toi!
October 19, 2016 @ 10:41 am
Scusate, ma le parole hanno ancora senso?Domanda da 10^6 CHF!@Paolo Attivissimo:> Le risposte sono virgolettate ma non sono le parole di Aldrin. Non appena gli organizzatori mi danno il permesso, pubblico la trascrizione fedele e integrale.Questo cambia gran parte delle cose dette in 250+ post!
February 11, 2017 @ 7:51 am
Sean Hannity to Donald Trump in response to Trump noting that the media is ignoring Arpaoi's work on document fraud:"It's up on Drudge. We're inviting him [Arpaoi]to appear on the program tomorrow."Thumbs up for Trump's effort to not allow Hannity, who tried his damnedest, to veer conversation away from the topic of Arpaoi findings.Thumbs down for Trump still recommending Rubio for VP#
August 7, 2012 @ 2:59 pm
It’s great to read great support for Josh as well as affirmations on being a father. Nice unexpected gifts.