How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice practice
Learning a new skill can be a daunting task. When I fist began to try to put my thoughts down on paper, I sucked at it. I would work really hard to write a post I thought was good only to have it torn to bits. There were days I wanted to give up. At times, teaching myself how to blog and how to use social networks seemed to be too big of a task for me.
Then I got the best piece of advice I ever got about writing. I was told to find my favorite blog post and type it out word for word.
How could doing something like this help?
Simple. It got me to see how a post comes together. I began to see how bloggers organize their thoughts. It was a lesson I did several times. Then it was simply a matter of practice. Blogging become a matter of learning to be consistent, it also helped sharpen my skills as a writer.
I read other blogs for inspiration. I continue to do this as often as possible. I began to leave comments that added to the conversation, not detract from it.
Why am I telling you this?
I have a friend who is a fantastic guitar player. Last night, I got to hear him playing some Hendrix and some Beatles. He did not start out this way, it took him hours of daily practice to get to where he is now. He is not only a gifted player, but also a talented songwriter. Getting good at something does not happen without practice no matter how much natural talent a person has.
He says all the time it is practice, practice, practice not noodle, noodle, noodle.
In the past few months, I have had several odd jobs. I have had to practice to become good at any of them. Most times when I try something new, I suck at it. The trick is to hang in there until it becomes easier. This is the spot where many folks give up.
Just because it is hard does not mean it is impossible.
What are you practicing?
What, you mean being a “natural” at something only comes with lots of hard work?!?!? Thank you for the reminder that the ease that we see is the result of hours … years … of dedicated effort.
I’m so glad you continued with your writing. I really enjoy the style you have developed.
I heard recently heard it described that we shouldn’t compare out beginnings with someone else’s middle.
I often have been disappointed at my first goes at something when I thought they should turn out better. I know that I am in a field that I am truly interested in when instead of being upset at a less than stellar first performance, my first thought is, “Hmmmm. That result was an unexpected,” and I immediately want to try it again!
We shouldn’t compare our beginnings with someone else’s middle – I love that Tammy! That is well said and I couldn’t agree more.
It took me a bit of time to develop into the writer I am now. I am learning new things constantly.
Isn’t it great when we stop beating ourselves up when we don’t do new things perfectly the first time around?
Practice does make one perfect… or near about it! At the moment, there are loads of things I am practicing, time management and being in touch are some of them.
Also, I am writing so much more than I used to.
We can’t improve if we never practice right? I am glad to see you!
I needed this Nancy!!!!!!!!! Miss you so much!
I miss you too!