The Way You Practice is the Way You Perform

Alison B. Marsh
Aug 22, 2017 · 4 min read

Walking into my Pilates studio this morning, I saw a medium sized, hot pink, shiny bubble mailer sitting on my desk. Inside this very fitting package was the book Successful People are Full of CRAP (Courage, Resilience, Authenticity, Perseverance) by Rachel Luna, my business and confidence coach.

Her book has me reminiscing about the times I actually did use the formulas she writes about.

On page 23 she says:

The way you practice is the way you perform.

YEssssss — it certainly is!! And I have concrete proof of this.

Let me explain:

I am a retired professional dancer.

As a dancer — I never missed a step. That was one thing I was always very proud of and careful of — that I never missed a move- I was always right on. (Although, I have fallen on stage more then once — actually twice in one show- down the stairs-with tons of other dancers in front of me and behind me. But I always got right back up and continued. Never ran off stage. Just continued.)

Now, I share this only because I have a SERIOUS issue with negative self-talk, and tending to disregard anything important that I do — hence needing a confidence coach.

But, reading Rachel’s book is helping me remember that I AM capable of success- and pulling through.

And the following reasons are why I succeeded in my dream to become a professional dancer:

  1. I always danced full-out — never ‘marking.’

In rehersal, sometimes dancers would not do the dance full-out. Like, if they were going to do a toe-touch — they would mark it. I guess that was more like cheerleading. But anyway, I never did that. Because guess what would happen to those who did? Yep — they would mark during the show! Unexceptable!!

2. I went through the steps in my head before I went to sleep.

I knew that studying the night before was gold during college. I always remembered better that way.

Well, the same went with dancing. I would go through the steps in my head-seeing myself on stage. And it never failed.

3. I faked it till I made it -

I called myself a dancer even before I got my first job. I took care of myself physically, and took classes consistently. I hung out with dancers, and read books about dancing.

4. I tried and tried again until I got it!

I got my first job in Bell Bottom Fever at the Hilton (Now the Westin) in Las Vegas. My next step dream job was Follies Bergere as an acro-dancer. I auditioned 4 times before getting the job. But I got it!

5. During class, I never left early, and never went to the bathroom, even when it got tough and I REALLY wanted to run away!

Here is another thing: I wasn’t even that good! I was more of a modern dancer. But not a great ‘show’ dancer. But that was my dream — and I had to work harder then most- but I did it!


So let’s make this into a success formula — inspired by Rachel Luna.

  1. Practice the way you want to perform — go full-out every time- no marking.
  2. Visualize your steps — what do I need to do to succeed? What do I want?
  3. Act the part and eventually you WILL Be the part.
  4. Persevere — Just keep it up, day by day, and do your thing.
  5. Stick around and commit. Focus with intent. Get into the habit of going all the way through.

So, as I have the rest of my day ahead of me, I am refreshed with the knowledge that I do have what it takes. I’ve already done it! I just have to apply it differently now. To my business, to my family, to my finances, to my health.

Thank you, Rachel Luna, for your continued encouragement.

YOUR TURN: What have you done in your life with success?? I would love to know!

Now, onward.

Go out, inspire, and serve with what you do best!

Alison Marsh

On-line Business Owner of YourPregnantCore.com

Mom of 5 — Husband to 1.

To learn more about Rachel Luna and her book Successful People are Full of C.R.A.P. visit: http://www.rachelluna.biz/

)
Alison B. Marsh

Written by

✧ Pilates Instructor and Educator in Las Vegas, NV ✧ Wife ✧ Mom of 5 (2 step, 2 adopted, 1 biological) ✧ Love God ✧ Writer at YourPregnantCore.com ✧

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade