Have you heard the saying "Practice makes perfect"?
That’s what I was told again and again, only to realize that it was a fallacy and an illusion. Today, I want you to consider what works for me and my shift to "practice makes permanent."
This idea resonated with me far more than the familiar "Practice makes perfect." It's a subtle yet profound shift in perspective. It got me thinking deeply about the habits and practices we cultivate in our daily lives. What if what we practice isn't actually good for us?
I want to share a personal story that highlights this realization. For many years, I was obsessed with the idea of perfection. I would practice my yoga poses tirelessly, aiming for flawless execution. While I did improve, I often found myself frustrated and disheartened by my perceived shortcomings.
One day, during a particularly challenging class, my teacher shared the saying "Practice makes permanent." and adding Practice makes perfect is not really a reality.
It was a lightbulb moment for me. I realized that the relentless pursuit of perfection was not only unattainable but also unhealthy. Instead, I began to focus on practicing with intention—practicing kindness towards myself, practicing letting go of my need for perfection, and practicing gratitude for my body's abilities.
This shift had a profound impact on my life. I started to embrace my yoga practice as a journey rather than a destination. Each session became an opportunity to cultivate positive, lasting habits. I began to see improvements not just in my physical practice but also in my overall well-being. Practicing mindfulness, patience, and self-compassion became ingrained in my daily routine, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
This saying also extends beyond yoga. Think about how we can practice kindness, gratitude, patience, compassion, positive thinking, healthy eating, consistency, self love, active listening and letting go in our everyday interactions. These practices become permanent parts of who we are, shaping our lives in meaningful ways.
Here are the two distinctions
Practice Makes Perfect focuses on achieving a flawless state, emphasizing the end goal and often leading to pressure and frustration. It assumes an ideal of "perfection," which doesn't really exist.
Practice Makes Permanent emphasizes forming lasting habits through mindful and intentional practice, focusing on the process and the long-term impact of repeated actions. This approach encourages sustainable growth and positive change, recognizing that true perfection is unattainable.
Summary
"Practice makes perfect" is about striving for an unattainable ideal, often leading to stress and frustration, while "Practice makes permanent" is about recognizing the long-term impact of our habits and actions, promoting mindfulness and sustainable growth. The latter encourages us to practice in a way that fosters positive, lasting changes in our lives.
So, I invite you to reflect on your own practices. Are they serving you well? What habits are you making permanent in your life? Take a moment to consider the impact of your daily routines and how you can shift towards more positive and intentional practices.
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