What Practice Entails

In today’s world, social media has the power to make individuals famous overnight. But how many of these viral success stories are backed by extensive hard work? More often than not, these achievements stem from countless hours of preparation, trial and error, rebranding, and persistence before reaching a level of success. This principle applies to every profession and craft.

Reflecting on my own experience, my early writing was far from impressive. I wrote fiction that lacked polish, yet there was a spark worth nurturing. Growth in any field requires time and effort—resources that aren't always readily available, especially if your passions don't pay the bills.

Keeping Afloat Amid Distractions

Balancing a job and personal life can be exhausting. After a long day at work, when you've tackled chores, prepared meals, and handled errands, finding the motivation to engage with your passion can seem daunting.

Moreover, the lure of social media can be overwhelming. One moment of scrolling can turn into hours lost, leaving you with little time for what you truly love. If you're a film enthusiast like me, binge-watching series or catching up on movies can easily consume your free time, leading to yet another late night and the need to start the cycle anew the next day.

In the face of these distractions, it becomes increasingly challenging to practice. Even if your passion brings you immense joy, until it becomes a source of income, it remains a struggle. This is where self-discipline comes into play: committing to your craft allows you to carve out the necessary time for practice, transforming it into a natural extension of your life.

Is Practice Becoming Obsolete?

It appears that the value of practice is diminishing, especially among younger generations. The instant gratification culture fostered by social media cultivates the belief that success should come immediately. Unfortunately, this mindset can hinder the appreciation of hard work and dedication.

Take my daughter, for example. We recognized her artistic talent early on and provided her with all the supplies she needed. However, she struggles with perfectionism. When her drawings don't meet her expectations, she becomes discouraged and quits. We see the potential in her work, but she must learn that growth stems from consistent practice.

Furthermore, no amount of investment in tools can substitute for practice. The right equipment, whether it's high-end shoes, drawing tablets, or beauty products, won't enhance your abilities without the foundational practice to back it up.

The Takeaway

By now, the message should be clear: practice is paramount. Whatever skill requires improvement, whatever activity brings you joy, and whatever passion you hope to turn into a career—commit to practicing regularly.

You owe it to yourself to invest the time and energy needed to refine your skills, and I promise to do the same.

If you found this article insightful, you might also be interested in "The Death of Tyre Nichols Demonstrates Anti-Blackness on Both Sides of the Thin Blue Line."

Check out my Podcast!

Follow Sidra Owens