The Practicing Mind

168 pages, 2012

Thomas M. Sterner

self-improvement

909 books

psychology

705 books

Takeaways

Description

Thomas Sterner's intriguing and practical book illustrates how to gain skills for any element of life, from golfing to business to parenting. It's all about trial and error in the early years. We would never have learned to walk or tie our shoes if we had given up in the face of failure, repetition, and difficulty.

So why do we frequently give up on a goal when we don't achieve it at first? In his study of how we learn -- prompted by his pursuit of disciplines such as music and golf -- Sterner discovered that we had forgotten the basics of practice -- the process of selecting a goal and exerting consistent effort to achieve it.

The Power of the Present

In The Practicing Mind, Thomas M. Sterner emphasizes the importance of staying in the present moment. He suggests that by focusing on the task at hand, rather than the end goal, we can achieve a state of calm and focused productivity. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try to bring your attention back to the present moment.

The Art of Practice

Sterner encourages us to see practice not as a chore, but as an art. He argues that when we shift our mindset and start to enjoy the process of learning, we can achieve our goals more easily. So, if you're struggling to master a new skill, take a look at how you're approaching your practice sessions.

Patience is Key

One of the key messages in The Practicing Mind is the importance of patience. Sterner reminds us that progress takes time and that rushing through tasks can lead to mistakes. So, next time you're feeling impatient, remember that slow and steady often wins the race.

The Power of Simplicity

In his book, Sterner explores the concept of simplicity. He suggests that by simplifying our tasks and our lives, we can reduce stress and increase productivity. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to take a step back and see where you can simplify.

The Importance of Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is a key theme in The Practicing Mind. Sterner argues that by developing self-discipline, we can stay focused on our goals and avoid distractions. So, if you're finding it hard to stay on track, it might be worth researching ways to boost your self-discipline.

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