Did You Just Give Up?

I read this article on the way to work this morning. It really is excellent advice and has 6 (really 7) simple steps for getting "better" at something.

1. Pursue what you love.
2. Do the hardest work first.
3. Practice intensely.
4. Seek expert advice in small doses.
5. Take regular breaks.
6. Ritualize practice.
7. Prioritize your practice time.

A lot of performing well on the range, at work, on the court, in the ring, etc. is all about small steps, repeatedly over the long run. It is almost necessary to have an efficient process for time management. (My advice? Try "Getting things done" by David Allen)

Do not believe that some folks are genetically predisposed to greatness - you just haven't seen the hours upon hours of practice that Eric or Ben or Leatham have put into honing their craft; it is an easy copout to say "they're mutants" or something.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
- Will Durant