Practice On

My daughter Blake recently asked me, “Dad, can we practice softball today?” As nice as that is to write in a blog, honestly, my initial instinct was to respond, “I’m sorry, but I’m so tired”. Thankfully, I kept that response internal, and knowing the importance of this invitation, I simply said, “Let’s do it”.

It was a hot and humid Sunday afternoon better suited for indoor activity, I was wiped out from a long week, and I just wanted to sit and do nothing. But to Blake’s credit, she was persistent. She knew she needed to get some reps, she was totally focused on improving her fielding and hitting, and she was ready, willing, and determined to get her... Practice On.

This dad/daughter outing ended up being a solid practice for Blake, where she continued to build her familiarity, comfort level, and overall confidence leaning into and learning a new sport. This experience also ended up being a solid practice for me, as I was reminded how important it is to embrace the repetition and routine, even when - especially when - we’re not feeling it, not up for it, or simply “so tired”.

So, what got us out there on that hot Sunday afternoon? Well, Blake’s courage to ask for help was a start. But what really got us out there, and kept us there in flow, was a framework I saw unfold as the practice progressed. My hope is this 3-step approach can be a helpful tool for you to implement so you can make that practice well worth it.

1. Be READY... to stretch out, warm up, and take the time to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically, so you will be prepared for practice.

2. Be WILLING... to receive feedback and take instruction with a growth mindset, and implement that instruction intentionally, so you will maximize practice.

3. Be DETERMINED... to deal with the bad hops, the errant throws, and the swings and misses, and focus on what you’re doing well to create positive muscle memory, so you will enjoy practice.

As Blake and I gathered up her gear and were leaving the field, I was so proud of her for getting after it, and her effort got me thinking and reflecting; As leaders, teachers, coaches, and presenters, let’s never get tired of embracing the power of practice as we prepare to enter those meetings, the classroom, a stage, that playing field, so we can always be ready, willing, and determined to get our...

Practice On.

Game On.