Deliberate practice

Deliberate practice, as described by K. Anders Ericsson, is a highly structured and focused approach to learning and improving performance in any skill or domain. Ericsson, a Swedish psychologist and researcher, is widely known for his work on expertise and human performance. He introduced the concept of deliberate practice in his research, which has been influential in the fields of psychology, education, and sports.

Deliberate practice is characterized by the following key elements:

1. Specific goals: Deliberate practice involves setting clear, specific, and measurable objectives for each practice session. This enables learners to focus on particular aspects of a skill or domain that they want to improve.
2. Intense focus: During deliberate practice, the learner must fully concentrate on the task at hand and avoid distractions. This level of focus helps to ensure that the practice is effective in driving improvement.
3. Immediate feedback: Receiving feedback, either from a coach, mentor, or self-assessment, is essential for identifying areas of improvement and adjusting one's approach accordingly. This feedback should be accurate, timely, and relevant to the specific goals of the practice session.
4. Repetition and refinement: Deliberate practice involves repeated practice of a specific skill or component of a skill until it becomes automatic. This repetition, coupled with ongoing feedback and adjustments, leads to the refinement of the skill and improved performance.
5. Stepping out of the comfort zone: Deliberate practice often involves pushing oneself beyond current abilities, which can be uncomfortable or challenging. By tackling more difficult tasks, learners can accelerate their progress and develop expertise more quickly.

Ericsson's research suggests that engaging in deliberate practice consistently over an extended period is crucial for developing expertise in any domain. The famous "10,000-hour rule," popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book "Outliers," was based on Ericsson's work, although Ericsson himself has argued that the number of hours is not as important as the quality and consistency of the practice.

It's important to note that deliberate practice is not the same as simply engaging in an activity for a long time. It requires a systematic, goal-oriented approach with regular feedback and adjustments to ensure continuous improvement

Resources

• Book: Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by K. Anders Ericsson
• Farnam Street blog post: The Ultimate Deliberate Practice Guide