Описание
Habits can be a double-edged sword. Once you master something, you can do it automatically without thinking, but you also stop trying to improve it consciously. In fact, research shows that once we’ve mastered a skill, our performance tends to slide over time. To attain mastery, we must combine habits with deliberate practice. Zoom in on the smallest success ingredient, practice it until you’ve internalized the skill, then build the next ingredient upon this foundation. For 18 years, comedian Steve Martin worked on gradual improvements to his routine. Each week, he focused on adding 1-2 minutes of new material, then practicing, experimenting and refining his approach to achieve his eventual level of mastery. Establish a system of review and reflection, so you know if you’re improving, plateauing, or declining. • Elite athletes make daily records of their workouts, training performance, diet and rest. Comedian Chris Rock tests new material with small audiences, makes notes on which jokes work (or don’t), and selects only the best lines for his show. • Do regular reviews (say, quarterly or annually) to honestly assess if you should upgrade your habits, take on new challenges, or redirect your focus/efforts. You can evaluate your progress in terms of: Your habits/activities, e.g. what went well, what didn’t