Approaching Quick Wins with Caution

When students have a week where they practiced every day exactly as I told them, it's a magical thing.

They have this beautiful moment where they realize what I've been telling them isn't total BS.

That practicing thoughtfully, slowly, and in calculated sections will allow them to learn better and faster.

That repetition isn't something to be dreaded, but our best friend.

It's a moment where I breathe a sigh of relief that my teaching actually works.

And students see they've progressed more in this one week than they did the previous two months practicing their way.

Sounds like a happy ending where we all ride off into the sunset, right?

Unfortunately, our victory is short-lived. While this is a beautiful moment, it rarely happens two weeks in a row.

It could be because the momentum and focus are hard to sustain. It could be because an awesome week lends us a mental "pass" on the following week because we did so great this week.

In any case, it's just a matter of time before progress is back to its status quo even though we know it could be remarkable.

This is why we have to be cautious when it comes to the quick win.

The good week of anything...practice, working out, focusing, whatever...is the entry point. 

It's a sign of things to come if you can stay on that track. Not a fluke, or a reason to give yourself a break the next week.

Stack enough quick wins, and you build momentum. 

Build enough momentum, and people start to notice.

They'll say you're a talent or an overnight success, but you'll know the truth.

That you took one good week and turned it into a new way of living.

Excitement and adventure await.