Posts

Showing posts with the label practice

What would my future self thank me for practicing now?

Image
What would my future self thank me for practicing now? How to make tomorrow-you quietly grateful for today-you. Framing the Question Most people think about their  future self  in vague, fuzzy terms—like a stranger they’ll meet “someday.” But your future self is just you, plus the compound interest of today’s choices. This question isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about practicing the few skills, habits, and mindsets that pay off across almost any path you take. A better way to hold the question Instead of asking, “What should I do with my life?” try, “What can I practice now that will give almost any version of my future self more options, more energy, and more peace of mind?” When you frame it this way, you stop hunting for a perfect plan and start building a reliable foundation your future self can stand on. The quiet power of investing in your future self Think of your life like a staircase: every small practice is a step. You rarely notice a single step, but twenty...

Does It Really Take 10,000 Hours to Become an Expert?

Image
Does It Really Take 10,000 Hours to Become an Expert? Why mastery isn’t just about clocking hours, and what actually matters more The idea that it takes exactly 10,000 hours to become an expert has achieved near-mythical status. But does this number hold up under scrutiny, or is there more nuance to the path of mastery? High-Level Framing The notion of needing 10,000 hours to master a skill exploded into popular culture thanks to Malcolm Gladwell’s  Outliers . It’s catchy, memorable, and offers a clear benchmark. But in the years since, researchers and practitioners have both embraced and challenged this claim. While time on task matters, the quality of that time—along with factors like feedback, genetics, motivation, and deliberate practice—may matter even more. This article explores what the research really says, unpacks the myth of the 10,000-hour rule, and offers practical insights for anyone on the journey toward mastery. Where Did the 10,000-Hour Rule Come From? The 10,000-ho...

What Are the Top Three Strategies for Improving Public Speaking?

Image
What Are the Top Three Strategies for Improving Public Speaking? Speak Like You Mean It: Simple Tactics to Transform Your Talks Public speaking is less about talent and more about strategy. Whether you’re pitching to investors, leading a team meeting, or giving a toast, the ability to command attention and convey ideas clearly is a superpower. In this guide, we explore the top three public speaking strategies that can transform even the most nervous speaker into a confident communicator. These tips are practical, memorable, and built to help you improve right away. If you want to get better at public speaking, these are the tools to start with. 1. Practice with Purpose You wouldn’t run a marathon without training. Public speaking is no different. The best way to improve is to practice, but not just any practice—deliberate, focused, and feedback-driven. Here’s how to practice effectively: Record yourself: Seeing and hearing your own delivery highlights areas to improve. Simulate the env...