Today I’m going to talk to you about how I got beaten by a 9 year old boy. And what I learnt from that…
As you know, I coach athletics as a bit of a side passion. A few weeks ago, we were doing vortex throws (this is a rubber rocket) and this kid challenges me to a head to head.
He’s 9.
Edit – Actually turns out he’s 8 years and 5 months. fml
He’s also a very good thrower.
I haven’t done any proper throwing since 1997 (not even kidding…) I knew I’d have to put in a proper effort to have a chance.
But I fluffed it.
Cue one very pleased-with-himself boy.
Now if you know me at all, I wasn’t happy. Because even if I don’t “throw” I should have the strength and the technique to beat a 9 year old.
I decided I was going to practice.
And so the following few days I threw some sticks at Jessie (the dog) while out walking. But she kept eating them, which isn’t really very good for her. So I stopped and kindof forgot about my “commitment” to practice.
Until last Monday, when the boy challenges me again.
Crap. I knew I was going down again.
And I did.
[He’s actually a talented thrower, tbf – I checked his measures against some benchmarks. He’s very good, which makes me feel a bit better but not really.]
So I finally started the process of “deliberate practice”.
The book Grit by Angela Ducksworth is where I first read about this concept, although as an athlete it’s something I’ve practiced well before.
It refers to a special type of practice that is purposeful and systematic. It requires focused attention and is conducted with the specific goal of improving something.
The concept is simple: if you want to improve at throwing, you don’t just throw sticks at a dog.
You need a structure, you need:
A goal – a very specific goal in fact.
To practice with 100% focus
A feedback loop
So I finally scheduled a slot to work on throws specifically. Deliberately.
I took the required equipment with me (not a stick).
I recorded my throws and analysed what I was doing.
I pinpointed the one thing I wanted to focus on.
And repeated that one thing until I got it right.
ver a week or so I improved by about 20%. I’ve no doubt I can improve some more with a handful more sessions.
[The kid is going down.]
But that’s actually not the point at all.
The point is this story reminded me of the importance of deliberate practice.
We often talk about how we want to get better a something. It could be running, press ups, or flexibility. Or something totally different like mindfulness or being present. Or becoming a better communicator, learning a new language or improving at a hobby.
But how often do we engage in deliberate practice?
When you “go running” do you have a specific goal in mind? Do you have a specific objective? Are you focussing on your strides, your breathing, your body symmetry? Do you have a feedback loop?
When you’re working out with me, are you focusing on the muscle groups we’re working on, are you listening to my cues, are you re-assessing your form with every rep?
If you’re not, you’re engaged in general activity, not deliberate practice.
You’re throwing sticks at the dog.
And that’s totally OK too, you know.
“Good enough” is a perfect solution for a whole host of things – cooking and cleaning spring to mind for me. Or DIY and life admin. And for some of you, it will be just fine for exercising.
But deliberate practice can benefit a whole bunch of skills like writing, public speaking, closing sales or coaching. Or squats.
And if we want to get better at any of these, we need to stop throwing sticks at the dog.
So there’s something for you to think about over your morning coffee.
