Imagine 2000 pounds of muscle performing exactly as you command with precision and immediate response. Having photographed show horses in various disciplines, I admire them. Behind their performance is hours of work, attention to feeding, grooming, professional intervention, and veterinary care.
We’ve heard the advice and strive to follow it. In order to become good — or better — at anything, we must practice, practice, practice. To translate that, it is not just that we are practicing, but developing our passion.
Wielding a pencil, paintbrush, or instrument with ever increasing grace, we must also listen to others in our field. Toss in observing the works of others. Sprinkle with readings of those who have achieved much before us. Mix with care under the guidance of others. Even learn from the success of others. Continue to practice, practice, practice.
Recently a news story of a professional knife sharpener lit my tv. Yes, a local woman was chosen to travel to a foreign country to improve her trade. Knife sharpening. The nugget of wisdom she tossed was that one practices not just to learn, but to build muscle memory. The more you invest in your trade, the better you get because your body carries the memory. Ah, she became her profession.
Perhaps you wrote some really bad prose, recognize it and adapt. Was your last concert a little flat? Sure, take a break from whatever that was and practice until it is beautiful music. Is your fitness slipping? I know of some cyclists who disdain slow rides as training your body to ride slow. I believe I am teaching my body to vary its rhythm. Sometimes we need a break so our body doesn’t memorize the lesser and is fresh to make new movements strong and beautiful.
No matter who you are. Practice, practice, practice.
Faithful Nest 
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