You have to love the art of
practice. People who want to excel at their life's
work, their hobby, or their favorite sport
practice what they do and it looks like a ballet.
Effortless. Makes me think a great deal about that
"ah ha" moment I had this spring.
It's wonderful to live in
the Phoenix area, particularly in the spring. Yes,
the flowers are blooming all around us, the
weather is spectacular, the snowbirds have gone
home for the year, and - there is Spring Training.
Most of the Cactus League teams have their Spring
Training games right here in Phoenix and we have
been fortunate to be able to attend both this year
and last year. Many of my friends and family know
that I love baseball (yes, I grew up with baseball
in New York). The game is gentle, you can watch
the game (and the people) and get to see some of
the up and coming players hone their skills, and
you even watch some of the professionals mess up
too.
What I love most about
Spring Training is this is the place where the
players "work it out". They get the kinks out of
their batting. They work into a new rhythm of
playing together with people they don't know much
about (and some they do). They develop a certain
personal flair to their throwing that makes you
just sit in awe. They practice. It made me wonder
if practice was really to make it effortless or
was it for the enjoyment of it all. Then I
realized that it doesn't matter which one it is,
both are worth the journey.
When you are "working it
out" in your practice, whether it's piano lessons,
golf swing or preparing for that presentation to
the new client, do you enjoy the journey? Are you
looking to make it perfect or just effortless -
like a well rehearsed ballet? My suggestion: aim
for the enjoyment and the ease of wearing it like
a second skin. Don't just write your elevator
speech - practice it until it is natural. Don't
just put your goals in your strategic plan,
practice making them a part of your entire fabric
- like a ballet. If it's difficult, call me. I'll
make it easier.
PS. The games were terrific
and graceful.
Personal
Note