Let us think of deliberate practice as a feedback loop used to efficiently improve skills.
We do this by creating a step-by-step action list of instructions to identify areas of weakness in order to strengthen them.
Make a habit of embracing discomfort for the sake of pushing past limits.
If we want to increase our focus during a Pomodoro (25 min study, 5 min rest. After 3 Pomodoros, 15 min break).
Eliminate all distractions
Become both the observer and the observed
- We turn our brain on to our internal (emotion) and external environment
- If focus is lost, quickly get back on task
Use a pad of paper to notate each time focus is lost
At the end of the pomodoro, we ask a series of questions
- What action did we do right?
- What action can we do different to increase our efficiency?
- What action can we eliminate altogether?
Answering the above questions better prepares us for the next Pomodoro.
Using the pad to notate when our focus is lost is essential. We apply a level of discomfort while drawing our attention. Always shoot for an empty pad by having no distractions.
The deliberate practice explained above is a start to get us going. We then apply the methods to increase efficiency in just about anything. The length of the feedback loop is also essential.
Let us use the questions on a workout. The feedback would be too short after one rep and too long at the end of the workout. If we instead ask feedback questions after every set. The end of the workout will probably feel different from the start.
Take everything with a grain of salt. Take, change, expand, happy journey.