Deliberate Practice
Focus on specific weaknesses with expert guidance and feedback.
Explanation
Anders Ericsson's research showed that becoming truly skilled requires more than just practice—it requires deliberate practice. This means working specifically on your weakest points, getting expert feedback, and constantly pushing beyond your comfort zone. Most people plateau because they practice what they're already good at.
Real-World Example
Musician practicing scales they've mastered = regular practice. Musician focusing on the specific passages they keep messing up = deliberate practice. Writer rewriting the same type of article = regular practice. Writer working on their weakest skill (dialogue, descriptions) with a mentor = deliberate practice.
How to Apply
Identify your specific weaknesses through honest assessment or expert evaluation. Design practice sessions that target these weaknesses. Get immediate feedback from experts or through objective measures. Push yourself to the edge of your ability—it should feel uncomfortable. Keep detailed records of what you're working on and how you're improving.