The problem this solves
“I write every day but my prose isn't getting tighter.”
Primary keyword: deliberate practice writing
What you'll learn
- Pick one micro-skill (e.g. opening sentence)
- Write 5 versions of the same piece
- Compare them analytically
- A weekly writing-iteration log
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 Difficulty and Deep Work.
More articles in this module
- What Is Deliberate Practice? : what is deliberate practice in real life
- Design a Deliberate Practice Session : deliberate practice session
- Use Productive Struggle : productive struggle
- Build Frustration Tolerance : how to build frustration tolerance
- What to Do When You Hit a Wall : stuck on a hard topic for weeks