October 14, 2011 61 Comments

The Practice Is the Reward

The Piano

I just got back from the gym. I’m learning how to do kettlebell cleans and kettlebell presses and other things that are really difficult for me. In doing this, I know that I am getting stronger, but I also know that I am working on precision of movement, and I am also maintaining my commitment to my health. It’s not like I will work out for several months, look down, be appreciative of my body, and then go back to other things. If I want to stay fit, I will continue to practice. I will eat well for the rest of my life, if I want to stay healthy. The practice, as it turns out, is the reward.

The Practice is the Reward

I’m asked quite often, “How do I get more followers on Twitter?” The answer, if people really want to know, is that you be there, be helpful, be more “about” other people than you are yourself. That’s it. That’s the practice. If you practice being there, being helpful, and being all about the other people, you will get more followers. It’s how that happens. The practice is the reward.

How does a company get more loyal buyers instead of simply transactional buyers. Practice being loyal to your existing buyers. Loyalty is a two way street. When it’s not, things fail. How do you get buyers who will choose you over the less expensive brand, because they believe that you are the choice for them? Practice being loyal and driven by their satisfaction. (By the way, companies like Zappos are worth billions because of this. If you think there’s no hard-line bottom line to this kind of thinking, stop reading my blog.)

Practice Doesn’t Merit Bragging

We groan about practice online. I did it today. I put up a picture of me in my car after my 6:30am workout, saying that it’s too early to work out, but at least I’d done the work. That’s silly. Why complain about it? I should be so honored and pleased that I found the time to work out this morning. I should be grateful that I gave my muscles something else to think about. And I shouldn’t brag. You shouldn’t have to hear my groaning or my bragging. Neither are helpful. Neither motivate you to work on your own practice. You know what does? Results.

Results Are External Proof of Practice

I’m practicing how to be a better professional speaker. In so doing, I’m reading a lot of books on how to speak better, and I’m reviewing my own work. When I do this well, I see the results. On stage last week, I was at the top of my game and my audience was right there with me. They felt it. They knew that I was giving them my everything.

But the most important point to distinguish is this: the results are just the external proof that washes off of you from doing the work. The work, the practice, is where your focus must remain. You must keep your focus on doing the work, practicing. It’s how you succeed every time. The moment you bow to the results, the moment you pause for longer than half a breath to feel great about yourself, is the moment you stop practicing, even a little bit, in your heart and head.

What Are You Practicing?

The list of what we can practice is huge. In my personal life, I’m practicing being more healthy. I’m practicing being more grounded mentally and emotionally. In my business life, I’m practicing improving my value to my customers and clients. I’m practicing giving more quality.

What are you practicing? And do you see this? Do you feel it?

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  • http://raulcolon.net Raul Colon

    I guess practicing is key to any effort but it also can become the most difficult thing when it comes to continuity.

    We focus on certain things but the biggest challenge is to continue down the right path towards health and other important things in life. 

    I am so happy you are setting the example that I can follow because I had been away from exercise and seeing you go at it full force motivates me to do the same. 

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      But fi the practice is the thing, then it’s the continuity. Meaning, if you are ALWAYS doing it, then you’re never going to miss. : ) 

  • Richard Reeve

    I’ve recommitted lately to crafting my blog post with careful attention to metadata and also having posts drafted two day before publishing, which also gives me an opportunity to refine.  Readers are noticing as it unfolds.

  • Jon Yoffie

    As we say in martial arts, practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent. Be sure you are practicing your skills properly or you will train yourself to do them incorrectly – permanently.

  • http://twitter.com/FuchsiaFlowers Fuchsia Christine

    I’m practicing how to be a better photographer, potter and cook in my personal life.  In my business life, I’m practicing better ways to keep on top of my workload without being distracted by Twitter, Facebook, You Tube. . . . . . . . . 

  • http://www.thercom.com.br Gildo Bittemcourt

    Sem duvidas, a melhor escola é a bancada de trabalho.
    Vovê está certo.

  • http://propodder.com Jay Walsh

    I’m practicing patience and ONLY posting to my blog when I’ve got something of value to say.

    • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

      I’m also big on value, and try to do the same with my comments at other blogs. Though one can’t be too critical about the line of ‘value’… lest every message need to hit some high benchmark and we all stay silent!

      • http://propodder.com Jay Walsh

        Duly noted. :)

  • Matt Searles

    I disagree with this business about “should and shouldn’t.” I think it’s complicated but sometimes.. an important part of learning.. of sustaining the learning.. when it’s hard.. is to celebrate our victory over it.. so why not brag? Maybe that’s part of the reward.. and while we’re at it, what so bad about complaining? 

    I admit it, i sometimes LOVE to bitch and moan.. especially about having to get up to early.. like say before 3 PM.. I mean what is this world coming to that I should have to get up at the ungodly hour of noon? 

    But um.. other then these quibbles…

    Practice is important for an even more important reason.. the wheel of fortune.. and no, I’m not talking about Vanna White.. that one of the spiritual / psychological challenges of life is not to identify with your victory or failure, or how you’re going…

    Like.. I’ll be working on a project and I’ll go “Jesus this work I’m doing sucks” and.. that can be enough to discourage me.. but if I focus on the practice.. and where am I at today relative to yesterday.. in the practice.. then I can have a different situation…

  • http://twitter.com/megfowler Meg Fowler

    The secret to connecting is to be the kind of person people want to connect with. The irony is that overthinking how to be that person usually prevents you from being that person.

    I see people trying to figure out how to be engaging and present and valuable and useful so much of the time that every interaction becomes a testing ground for their efforts, and another place to achieve success. Am I getting it right? Am I giving you what you want? Will you want to talk to me again? How do I make you want to come back for more?

    I can always pick out the people online or in a crowd who aggressively pursue new thought or self-help counsel or The Secret or the Law of Attraction, because they are “mindful” to the point of hovering a foot off the ground. There’s very little that is natural, comfortable, intuitive or appropriately responsive about them because they’re two steps ahead every hour of the day, maximizing every point of connection to create their own destiny.

    I love the idea of being present in the moment, but for me that usually means thinking less about how I’m coming off and how I’m responding and what I’m delivering right then, and more about what the other person is saying and doing. If I’m thinking about me when I’m dealing with you — even if my purpose is to give you exactly. what. you. want (so you’ll follow me / hire me / refer to me / date me) — then I’m already not really there.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Laughing about the overly mindful. You might have nailed me on certain days. I certainly act that way sometimes. I try to be better about that, though. Or um, more mellow. 

  • http://twitter.com/susangiurleo susangiurleo

    As my son’s 1st grade teacher always said, “practice makes better.”  The trap we all fall into is there is an end point for any of this. As you say, fitness, eating healthfully, mental health –all a process, all on a continuum, good days/bad days, successes and losses. As @twitter-819040:disqus says, overanalyzing it just takes away the focus from what really matters – being present, being human, giving what you can.

    We’ll never get it all down, we’ll never feel fully ‘done,’ we’ll never get in complete flow.
    I practice being comfortable with being uncomfortable, knowing there is always something to strive for and accepting that as life – no whining, no bragging, no excuses. Hard work, that.  But it’s the most consistent reality out there.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Feeling done is the illusion, I fear. It’s the thing that lets us feel far too confident and comfortable. As far as whining, bragging, and excuses, it’s a fight every day. I’m a blogger. 

    • commoncents

      I agree totally Susan, that being present and being human is what really matters…. and your words consistent reality ring true.

       An old man at the pearly gates said “I’ve lived a long ethical, productive life … so what is my reward?   A wise man replied to him ” Your reward IS that wonderful life you had”. 

  • http://www.katanabuilders.com Danocon

    Or another way to say it-the practice is the purpose. Finding fulfillment and enjoyment in the practice itself can almost guarantee success.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Exactly. Same point is made. The practice is WHY. : ) 

      • http://www.katanabuilders.com Danocon

        Yep,
        In our rush to reach our goals this point is overlooked. More than overlooked, it is not even on our radar. After all the only reason to practice is to get stronger, faster , better-Right? Practice must be endured for the drudgery that it is.

        Explain this to the thousands of guys who have taken up shaving with a straight razor.
        Where the honing, face prep and the glide of an incredibly sharp blade across face and neck is the pleasure. The super smooth face is a happy by product.

        Sure, there is some discipline involved. But the hardest truth I have yet to fully embrace is that discipline is freedom.

  • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

    I’m practicing being focused on one task at a time to the exclusion of all else… and celebrating each micro step towards the larger goal. When I do this, it’s amazing. When I don’t, that’s when I get a little overwhelmed.

    As for how I practice things… I’ve started to use breathing as my pacemaker while I work or exercise. When I focus on that, it’s easier for me to now tighten up my shoulders and slouch, which tends to amplify negative feelings.

    Not easy… but practice makes perfect :)

  • http://www.ricardobueno.com Ricardo Bueno

    Re: “You shouldn’t have to hear my groaning or my bragging. Neither are helpful. Neither motivate you to work on your own practice.” 

    Actually, it’s because of this that I hustled myself to the gym. I saw it as motivating. Kinda like “he’s doing it. I’m gonna do it damn it.” 

    I’m going on two weeks straight at the gym – 1 to 2 miles minimum, some free weights and several basketball pick-up games. it’s painful at times. I’m sore, I’m tired. But really, I also feel like I have more energy. Exercise, for me at least, gives me energy. 

    The last month or so for me has been about identifying areas where I want to improve. Follow up. Health. How can I deliver more value to clients? Then, doing something each and every day to step up my game. You either do it or you don’t. But no excuses.

  • http://mosthostserver.com/ Darren

    I’m with, Rick.  I’m practicing serious focus when in the past I always tended to over-extend myself.  Actually, I’m practicing at everything I do, because I am nowhere near perfection.

  • Tom Bentley

    Chris, good examples of the struggles and the successes, and how it’s a spiral rather than a straight line. But there’s so much good in establishing a regular rhythm of something, like exercising daily or writing daily, so that when you don’t do it, there’s a discomfort, an absence.  I think in an earlier post (or on Google+), you mentioned falling off your diet regimen, but concluded that that’s no reason to go on a binge or truly torture yourself about it, but just to step back up and begin again. Thanks for the good stuff.

  • http://criscohen.typepad.com/ Cris Cohen

    It kind of reminds of a fictional exchange with a real person. In an episode of the TV show “Castle”, a young writer is playing poker with some writing veterans. The new guy is spouting off theories about this and that. At one point Michael Connelly, author of “The Lincoln Lawyer” and multiple other novels, says to him, “You know what I did after I wrote my first book? I shut up and wrote 32 more.”

  • http://hannahsharvest.com Hannah Marcotti

    I used to do chores with resentment, now I do them with mindfulness and love for the task of being in that moment. Not the result, clean house, the practice, being present and doing things even when I’d rather not.

    Awesome post Chris. I would like to explore this pausing, this feeling great about yourself bit some more.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jonathanfields Jonathan Fields

    Sounds like someone’s been reading the Bhagavad Gita. Amazing how hard it is for us to open to wisdom that’s as old as the trees. ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/Dan_Kleiman Dan Kleiman

    The interesting under-side to all of this is the wrestling match between willpower and habit.  Basically, our willpower sucks. It’s a limited, exhaustible resource. But the beauty of having a practice is that you have a way of harnessing willpower in short bursts, knowing that over time, this will create powerful habits. Framing something as a practice sets you up mentally and emotionally to let this play out.

  • http://twitter.com/bkajino Brandie Kajino

    Love this. Seriously. Thanks for the reminder of not whining. #guilty
    I’m practicing staying on task and giving my clients and customer more than they expect. I’m practicing keeping the most important things on top of the list + calendar. Thanks for your raw and insightful post. You’ve made me think. Again.

  • Stephen Borgman

    Hi, Chris: I love this metaphor for going after new skills that will benefit our customers.  I recently came across a quote from Muhammad Ali that I’d like to share with all of your readers.  It’s especially appropriate to your article:

    The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights. 
    Muhammad Ali

  • http://twitter.com/b_WEST Chris Burdge

    I don’t mind you (or others) bragging once in a while Chris. It’s my rationalization for when I brag ;-)   

    I’m always practicing something or other, currently it’s:
     
    1) In Business: writing better blog posts, being more organized, staying focussed.  

    2) Personal: being more organized, staying focussed when talking to my family. I catch myself slipping into business mode thinking that I’m “multi-tasking” when really I should be giving them 100% of my attention. 

    I also coach kids hockey so I’m always telling them that if they repeat this or that thing (skating/shooting drill) 1,000 times it will come natural when they’re in a game without them even thinking about it. I luv seeing them do something in a game that they couldn’t do before, but practiced like crazy the previous week, and the big smile when I remind them of that…

  • Ashley

    It’s not the destination–it’s the journey.

    Often times, it’s difficult to find purpose in the practice, but you’re right–the practice is the reward.

  • anonymous

     ASIANS CAN ACTUALLY READ MINDS!!!!!!!!!!!
    they can hear and see what your visually thinking
    this is the complete truth

    the reason alot of asians have completely expressionless faces, only associate with asians and dont associate with non asians very much, and are very unfriendly in general is to avoid accidentally revealing that they can read minds, if all over a billion asians were to show facial expressions all the time just as much as non asians, associate with non asians much more, and be much more friendly and talkative, then alot of them might accidentally reveal that they can read minds by accidentally showing a facial expression or dirty look when someone thinks, or visually pictures something in their mind they dont like or find astonishing or funny because those people might see that and really wonder what that was that just happened there and see the connection, and if they were all to associate with non asians alot more there would be alot more people around for them to accidentally show facial expressions when those other people think things they dont like etc, so they only associate with asians so there wont be anyone around for them to see that and have any accidents happen in the first place

    think about it, its not normal how alot of them act, and the entire way they act is all to hide their mind reading abilities, it makes perfect sense to do all of that to hide that they can read minds, because all of that is the perfect way to do it!
    every single asian on the planet is hiding their mind reading abilities, they will lie about having mind reading abilities forever!
    because they value hiding their mind reading abilities more then their own lives!
    thats why nobody knows about it!

    try thinking, best yet visually picturing in your mind something something absolutely crazy as you possibly can when you are around asians, and try looking for asians who give people particular looks, especially dirty looks for what appears to be for completely no reason, that is them giving people looks when they hear and visually see someone thinking something they dont like, find funny or astonishing
    it still happens despite a large number of them having completely expressionless faces all the time, it would just happen alot more if none of them had completely expressionless faces all the time, its not uncommon!

    i know this sounds crazy, impossible, and completely unbelievable, BUT IT ISNT CRAZY WHEN ITS TRUE

    the reason you think this truly is crazy, impossible and unbelieveable is because our society has propagandized people into believing that nothing extra ordinary is real and that is really is impossible, and that its crazy to think that its true that people can read minds, all just to cover up that asians can read minds! who says that cant exist? the people who have mind reading abilities who are trying to cover it up!

    you have to spread the message!!!
    the world has to know about this!!!!

  • http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tim-mushey/8/428/305 Tim Mushey

    Great post Chris! I think we get so caught up in our daily responsibilities, that sometimes practice is not even on our radar. But when we MAKE the time for it, it can make all the difference for us personally and professionally. I read a quote in a kid’s hockey book once, and it is so true. “Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect”.

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  • http://www.unlockthedoor.net Stuart Mills

    It’s like the old saying Chris, “Life isn’t a destination, life is a journey”

    I’m always learning something new about myself every day, even if I don’t actually do that much. Because of this, I’ve learned not to worry so much about whether I’ll ‘achieve’ something,  because in the strict sense of the word ‘achieve’ (to gain something new), I’m achieving everyday.

    To be honest Chris, as much as I enjoy the wins of life, and the rewards that come with it, I realise that they don’t define me. Why should I focus on the actual winning moments, the 1% of life, over the other 99%?

  • Fran Sorin

    Chris…speaks straight to my heart as an amateur musician. As a kid, I was one of those who L-O-V-E-D practicing scales (so many creative ways to do it), finger exercises, and of course, pieces. Everyday it was the practice that was my barometer….it was never about the recitals or performing. This is age old wisdom….thanks for the reminder….it is always helpful. Fran

    P.S. You’re practicing all of those things at once? Geez…..one at a time is plenty for me!

  • http://itseasybeingvegan.com Christine Cook

    I’m practicing yoga/meditation everyday at home. I practice a lot of other stuff too but this is a new one for me. In the book, Yoga for Women, the author writes of the yogic cycles of time in terms of building good habits:

    40 days will change an old habit into a more positive one.

    90 days confirms the new habit

    120 days allows the habit to become who you are

    1000 days ensures that you have mastered the habit

    It’s all about practice and not being hard on yourself when you fail. Get back up, start again and keep going.

  • http://twitter.com/chrisjkeaton Chris Keaton

    Practice is indeed its own reward.  Thanks for reminding us to enjoy the journey.

  • What Is Casino

    This blog is so informative and impressive. I like this blog. Good examples of the struggles and the successes, and how it’s a spiral
    rather than a straight line. But there’s so much good in establishing a
    regular rhythm of something, like exercising daily or writing daily, so
    that when you don’t do it, there’s a discomfort, an absence.Thanks for sharing this knowledgeable moment with us.. 

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  • http://www.annikamartins.com Annika

    I think I’ve said “Slow and steady wins the race” at least 5 times this week. Something we need to constantly remind ourselves of. Thanks, Chris.

  • http://twitter.com/RepEliseHall Elise Hall

    It all seems to go back to content — practicing having great content and being consistent. Thanks for the reminder to continue to practice. 

  • http://toddrjordan.com/thebroadbrush tojosan

    I’ve been working on my sketching and drawing skills. Those are unsurprisingly the ones I complain about the least while practicing. However, I feel frustration. I’m not ‘there.’ The end. The state of being a supreme artist.
    Along the way, practicing, I’m producing art though, and it is getting better. The fear of putting the pen down gets less. The fear of criticism as well. The lines are tighter, smoother, and faces look like faces. It is rewarding.

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  • http://www.gbvehiclehire.com/ Car Hire Birmingham

    Practice makes the man perfect. It is true that practice brings results. One must not stop practicing good tasks & must make it as a habit. I am impressed with your post. Thanks for sharing this motivating article.

  • http://www.blurbpoint.com/link-building-services.php Link Building Services

    Practice are of two kinds. If one practice for just once and expect for the best one then it is not possible. So one has to be the continuous practiser for bring the success in any field. And the other need is doing continuous practice in right direction from where you can get something new which be useful for you. And if you can not find result from the practice though lots of efforts , then do not be hopeless as this practice will be helpful to you in some manner in future. So always be positive also.

  • http://twitter.com/mvraghuraman Raghuraman MV

    But the most important point to distinguish is this: the results are just the external proof that washes off of you from doing the work. The work, the practice, is where your focus must remain. You must keep your focus on doing the work, practicing. It’s how you succeed every time. The moment you bow to the results, the moment you pause for longer than half a breath to feel great about yourself, is the moment you stop practicing, even a little bit, in your heart and head
     
    This paragraph is wonderful as this is something even explained in one of the verse of the Hindu holy book Bhagavad Gita.The particular Sanskrit(ancient Indian language)verse in a nutshell translates into the same.It says always focus on the work at hand and never at the results, for results are taken care by Nature.Joy is in the way you carry out the Work assigned.
     
    It can be even taken a step further wherein ,single minded focus or concentration on work is tantamount to meditation which leads to pure joy and bliss.
     
    Herein, you have added the beauty of practise which rubs off as a result of focus on Work .Very Nice piece!Wow Indeed !

  • Anne Web Agent

    I’m practicing on my business. You’re absolutely right. Practicing
    brings out good results. Nagging and groaning about it doesnt bring you
    success. Thanks for sharing.

  • Laree Draper

    Kettlebells gone mainstream in a business advice blog. Love it! Wasn’t expecting to see that here.

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  • http://nadabluebook.info Nada blue book

    interesting

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  • http://twitter.com/NickGirardPhoto Nick Girard

    Practicing many things, all of them are based on
    further educating myself and improving on something I enjoy. Working
    out, eating healthy, home brewing beer, taking better photos, getting more videography clients, producing better content, learning the ropes of social media.I enjoy this idea “be helpful, be more “about” other people than you are yourself.” What a wonderful concept to try applying to other things in life.

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