These take us well beyond the “beginners curve,” right into elite levels. They usually won’t take us to “World Championship” level, as a single-pointed focus then becomes fairly key.
1. It’s not really “rapid.” On any given day, we need patience. Patience to hold back, to learn, to adapt, to remain alert. Yes it’s “rapid” when we zoom out, but the daily mindset is consistent practice within our means.
2. No holes – there can’t be any gaping holes. Holes in your calendar year of practice or training (long breaks, quitting etc), or holes in your game. Basically, you can’t only “practice what you are good at” and try to get rapid improvements.
3. The “off” is as important as the “on.” The ability to rest, unplug, reset, down-regulate and recover (whether it’s an intellectual task or physical) is key
4. Track progress. It’s tough to improve if the task has a quantifiable outcome if you aren’t tracking progress along the way.
5. It never gets easier. “New level, new devil.” – As we progress, the effort remains the same – consistent, diligent practice. But the landscape of the challenges just shifts. We now “expect” the difficulties, so we welcome them a little more.
