When graduating high school or college, how many of us were ever asked,
“What do you want to practice?”
I am guessing that unless we were expected to pursue law school or medicine, the answer is—none of us. The question was usually,
“What are you going to do now?”
Doing and practicing have such different connotations. The first gives the impression that we’ve arrived in our occupation. While the second, seems to give permission to explore, improve, and even, mess up.
I find it funny that the only adult careers where the word “practice” is used as a noun are medicine and law. None of us want our doctors or lawyers to just “practice,” we want them to know what they’re doing. While at the same time, if they’re practicing that usually means they are (hopefully) seeking to be better.
I find it funny that the only adult careers where the word “practice” is used as a noun are medicine and law. None of us want our doctors or lawyers to just “practice,” we want them to know what they’re doing.
Practice is such a sticky word. It gives us permission to be imperfect. While at the same time, it means we haven’t “arrived.” That there’s more work to do. It is a word for the humble, not the proud. And, in our world today, I am beginning to believe it is a word we need to use more.
On Monday, I shared that I was struck by my yoga instructor’s use of this word. Instead of saying, “Your yoga workout,” she said, “your yoga practice.” And immediately, I felt better about my fears of not being able to do all the moves. Instead, I was able to show up and do my best because there was no expectation that I could do it all.
She said, “your yoga practice.” And immediately, I felt better…
No matter our age, all of us feel the pressure to have it together. To have things figured out. Or at minimum, to keep juggling all our responsibilities and roles smoothly. And yet, none of us do all of our things well.
So what if, we practiced them instead?
As we are still at the beginning of a New Year, I want to invite us to try a few things to help us begin to practice the things we’ve been doing in our lives. To let ourselves off the hook of perfection, so that we can reach toward growth instead. Here are three things, I believe we should practice:
Practice not worrying about what other people think.
I know. This one is so hard. But when we practice letting go of these fears as soon as they arrive, we will find it easier to breath. To do the things we’re trying to practice.
Practice giving yourself grace.
When you forget something, do the wrong thing, or make a mistake, apologize to who you need to. But then, forgive yourself and practice letting it go.
Practice stretching and growing yourself in new ways.
Growth is an important part of being alive. It is also a result of practice. So as you take on your New Year’s resolutions or routines, look for opportunities to try new things. Then, you guessed it, practice.
Where can you “practice” in your career?
“Where can you “practice” in your life?
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Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash
