Practice makes permanent

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."  - Aristotle

The phrase "practice makes permanent" is a proverb that highlights the importance of repetition and consistency in achievement. It emphasizes the idea that the more we practice something, the better we become at it, and those repeated actions ultimately become ingrained in our behavior.

As I reflect on the journey that has led me to this point, I am struck by the profound impact that this principle has had on my life. For me, this timeless wisdom, rooted in the annals of history, has been both a blessing and a curse.

The origins of this concept can be traced back to Aristotle, who recognized the transformative power of consistent, deliberate practice. This notion has echoed through the ages, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to embrace the power of practice and its ability to forge lasting progress.

Whether in sports, with athletes like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady or Serena Williams; or in music, with performers like Billy Joel, U2 or Beyonce; or from artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh or Bob Ross, it is clear that the power of practice can not be overstated.

Renowned author, Malcolm Gladwell, brought the concept of "practice makes permanent" to the forefront of popular discourse with his book, "Outliers: The Story of Success". In it, he explored the stories of highly successful individuals, revealing that their achievements were not solely the product of luck or circumstance, but rather the culmination of thousands of hours of deliberate practice.

As I have embraced this principle in my own life, I have witnessed its transformative power firsthand. However, during this time of reflection, I have also come to understand how many of my maladaptive coping strategies, core beliefs and cognitive distortions have formed from the same age old principle.

Excessive practice without proper guidance or feedback can lead to the reinforcement of bad habits and incorrect techniques. And I was repeatedly practicing and echoing negative feelings, emotions and judgement, which took a permanent hold of my psyche and outlook, until I became perfectly miserable and expertly despondent.

But, as this recovery journey has taught me, I have the ability to change this mindset, through conscious intention and mindful practice. Of course, it will take time, as I’ve constructed this inner dialogue and formulated these core beliefs over decades. Still, I know that I can learn to love myself again, to believe in myself again, and to trust in myself again. I feel the changes already underway, and find that I am now able to identify when an ANT (automatic negative thought) whispers in my ear, which previously would have occurred surreptitiously.

So with the advise of my peer Jack Gailer from his post last week, I welcome negative thoughts, as a new turn to say “Great! How good is this? I now have the opportunity to completely change the way my brain processes these feelings, and my reactions associated with this emotion!”, and set opposite action in motion.

Recovery is a journey of perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the challenges that arise along the way. And it is in these moments of struggle that the true power of "practice makes permanent" becomes most useful and evident.

It is a testament to the human spirit, to our innate capacity for growth, transformation, and the realization of our most ambitious dreams. And as I continue to navigate the winding path of my recovery, I am grateful for the wisdom of this timeless principle, which has become the foundation upon which I am rebuilding my legacy and hopefully, inspiring others.

Whether honing my skills in crafting, refining my writing, or researching mental health and other well-being modalities, the consistent application of practice has been the cornerstone of my continued growth and development. Through the ups and downs, the moments of frustration and the exhilaration of progress, I have come to understand the path to mastery as a form of commitment, discipline and self-care.

Practice makes permanent encapsulates the timeless wisdom that consistent effort and dedication are essential in all aspects of life. While there are both positive and negative aspects to consider, I am hopeful that the future holds promising opportunities for new innovations and continued growth. By embracing the power of practice and the principle of continuous improvement, we can unlock our true potential and make a lasting contribution to the world around us. I hope you will join me in investing time to create your own unique positive habits!

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