Focus on Practice

Interesting concept that I think I’m only just beginning to unpack. I remember back in grad school, in design class, our Prof. asked the class how many of us had a practice — thought of ourselves as practitioners. And we were less than five. It wasn’t until he described it that I realized I did have one. And years later, working with Moura, my second revelation was that I’ve worked in studio my entire life. From the TV studios at school to the workplace, to sound studios, interaction studios. This isn’t all new to me. I just never thought about it. Never was intentional.

Now, well past 50, I’m beginning to understand the value of practice. From Pilates — to writing — to design — to dog training! These are all evolving skills, art forms, activities that I will never master. There is no end point. No ultimate achievement. The joy — is in the practice. In improving. Baby steps. Celebrating effort. And achievement. This is huge for me — a personal transformation for someone who is somewhat OCD. In a world where we’re compelled to set and achieve goals — that is driven by milestones — the thought that real achievement can’t be measured shatters all paradigms. Real achievement is in focus, commitment, study, reflection, understanding. Practice. In fact — practice does not make perfect. Practice simply moves one along a continuum of endless learning and joy.

Wow. Not what I thought I’d write today. And hugely insightful for me as the words spewed onto the screen. As I work to find the joy in each day, I can now look to practice — not completion — for celebration. The best part? My teachers today — who revealed this massive lesson to me — were my two dogs, Lizzie and Blackie. Loyal, loving and a couple of smarty pants. ox