The problem this solves
“I keep being told I just need more practice, but the practice isn't moving the needle.”
Primary keyword: 10000 hour rule
What you'll learn
- What the original research actually said
- Why hours alone don't predict skill
- Two questions to ask of any practice session
- A weekly hours-vs-design scorecard
The science behind it: Deliberate Practice
Deliberate practice is structured, focused effort aimed at improving a specific aspect of performance, with immediate feedback and progressive difficulty.
Why it matters
It is the form of practice that produces expert performance; mere repetition, no matter how much, does not.
How to apply it
- Identify the weakest component of your current performance and design exercises around it.
- Seek immediate feedback for every attempt.
- Increase difficulty just beyond your current level, not far beyond it.
Common mistakes
- Practising what you are already good at because it feels good.
- Practising without feedback and assuming improvement.
- Confusing hours of repetition with hours of deliberate practice.
Read the full concept: Deliberate Practice.
Where this fits
Part of module A New Way to Learn.
More articles in this module
- Why You Forget What You Study : how to remember what you study
- Learning Is a Skill, Not a Talent : is learning a skill or a talent
- What Learning Really Is (And Why It Matters) : what is learning
- Learning Styles Are a Myth. Here's What Actually Works : learning styles debunked
- The 'Multiple Intelligences' Idea Is Not What You Think : multiple intelligences myth