Take the poll: What's a better saying than 'practice makes perfect'?

A simple trailism (is that a word?) can shape your mindset about mountain biking practice

I don’t often see or hear anyone in my MTB universe use the saying, ‘Practice makes perfect.’ Maybe it’s dated or just too simplistic. What seems more common is ‘Perfect practice makes perfect,’ or the longer version, ‘Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect,’ usually attributed to Green Bay Packers football coach Vince Lombardi.

I started thinking about this last fall when I listened to Noa Kageyama’s Bulletproof Musician vodcast episode On the Perils of “Perfect Practice,” which featured musician and performance psychologist Christine Carter & clinical psychologist Ellen Hendriksen.

(Kageyama featured an updated follow-up podcast episode a few months later titled Why “Perfect Practice” Could Backfire When Learning Something New.)

But what prompted me to write about this was when @aaron lutze recently created his Super Rider Substack, and I noticed that his online store had a long-sleeve jersey with ‘Practice Makes Progress’ emblazoned on the front. I liked it enough that I immediately ordered it.

Problems and alternatives

So I asked Claude.ai to summarize the problems with the saying (adage? proverb?) ‘practice makes perfect,’ and he returned with a helpful 6 points. See footnote #¹

I then asked Claude to summarize some of the problems that could be conveyed by Lombardi's version of the saying. See his 6-point response in footnote #²

Lastly, I asked Claude for a list of alternative sayings suggested in recent years that address the shortcomings of those two sayings. See his list of 6 alternatives and the rationale for each in footnote #³

Rationale for using a practice-related adage

I asked Claude if it’s legitimate to think that having a more accurate saying for practicing can affect one's mindset about practice. He said it was legit and had 5 reasons why. See footnote #⁴

Take the proverb preference poll

After you review Claude’s rationale for each alternative (you might disagree with his take), take the poll below.

[I omitted the alternative ‘Practice makes permanent’ because 1. unlike the other alternatives, it emphasizes negative consequences (still helpful, however, IMHO). And 2. Substack’s poll feature only allows 5 choices.]

Consider adding a comment below about your rationale for your poll choice. What would be your second favorite? Do you have another version that wasn’t listed?

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FOOTNOTES:

1

Claude.ai: The proverb "practice makes perfect" suggests that regularly doing an activity or skill will help you master it over time. While this adage highlights the importance of dedicated effort, it can also convey some problematic ideas:

1. Perfectionism: The phrase implies that perfection is the end goal, which can lead to an unhealthy perfectionist mindset. Striving for perfection can cause stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy when falling short of unrealistic standards.

2. Oversimplification: The proverb oversimplifies the learning process by suggesting that practice alone guarantees mastery. In reality, factors like proper technique, guidance, natural aptitude, and learning from mistakes also play crucial roles in skill development.

3. Ignoring natural limitations: Everyone has different capabilities, and some people may face physical, mental, or socioeconomic barriers that limit their ability to attain "perfection" despite practice.

4. Undervaluing innate talent: By emphasizing practice, the proverb might downplay the role of natural talent or aptitude. Some individuals may have a predisposition to excel in certain areas with less practice compared to others.

5. Discounting the importance of rest and self-care: Focusing solely on constant practice can lead to burnout, injury, or neglect of other important aspects of life, such as relationships, health, and well-being.

While the proverb aims to encourage dedication and discipline, it's important to recognize that practice, while essential, is just one piece of the puzzle in personal growth and success. A balanced approach that includes setting realistic goals, learning from failures, and prioritizing self-care is more likely to lead to long-term success and fulfillment.

2

Claude.ai: While Vince Lombardi's version of the proverb, "Perfect practice makes perfect," addresses some of the issues with the original "Practice makes perfect," it can still convey some problematic ideas:

1. Unrealistic expectations: Striving for perfection in every practice session can set unrealistic standards, leading to frustration and disappointment when perfection isn't achieved.

2. Increased pressure: The emphasis on "perfect" practice can put additional pressure on individuals, especially those who are still learning or developing their skills. This pressure may lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and a fear of making mistakes.

3. Overemphasis on technique: While proper technique is crucial, an excessive focus on technical perfection may hinder creativity, experimentation, and individual expression, which are essential aspects of learning and growth in many fields.

4. Diminished value of learning from mistakes: The pursuit of perfect practice may discourage individuals from taking risks or trying new approaches, as they may fear making mistakes. However, making mistakes and learning from them is a vital part of the learning process.

5. Limited recognition of individual differences: The proverb implies that perfect practice is the key to success for everyone, but it doesn't account for individual differences in learning styles, abilities, and circumstances that may affect one's progress and success.

6. Potential for burnout: The constant pursuit of perfection in practice can lead to burnout, as individuals may push themselves too hard, neglecting rest, recovery, and other aspects of their lives.

While Lombardi's version of the proverb rightly emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of practice, it's crucial to strike a balance between striving for excellence and allowing room for mistakes, experimentation, and individual growth. Embracing a growth mindset, setting realistic goals, and recognizing the value of learning from imperfections can lead to a more well-rounded and sustainable approach to skill development.

3

Claude.ai:Yes, in recent years, there have been several alternative proverbs and phrases suggested to address the shortcomings of both "Practice makes perfect" and "Perfect practice makes perfect." These modern variations aim to promote a healthier, more balanced approach to skill development and personal growth:

1. "Practice makes progress": This version emphasizes that the goal of practice should be continuous improvement rather than perfection. It encourages individuals to focus on their personal growth and development, rather than comparing themselves to an unrealistic standard.

2. "Practice makes permanent": This variation highlights the importance of practicing correctly, as repeating the wrong techniques or habits can ingrain them, making it harder to change later on. It reminds individuals to be mindful of the quality of their practice.

3. "Practice makes better": This proverb suggests that practice leads to improvement, but not necessarily perfection. It acknowledges that there is always room for growth and development, and encourages individuals to strive for continuous self-improvement.

4. "Practice makes possible": This phrase implies that practice opens up new possibilities and opportunities for growth. It emphasizes the idea that dedicating time and effort to a skill can help individuals achieve things they may have previously thought were impossible.

5. "Purposeful practice makes progress": This variation combines the ideas of "Perfect practice makes perfect" and "Practice makes progress." It suggests that practice should be deliberate, focused, and goal-oriented to lead to the most effective improvement.

6. "Practice, reflect, adjust, repeat": This more descriptive phrase outlines a process of continuous improvement that includes practicing, evaluating one's performance, making necessary adjustments, and then repeating the process. It encourages a more reflective and adaptable approach to skill development.

These alternative proverbs and phrases aim to foster a growth mindset, emphasize the importance of the learning process, and promote a more balanced and sustainable approach to skill development. They encourage individuals to focus on progress, self-awareness, and continuous improvement rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal of perfection.

Claude: Yes, it is legitimate to state that having a more accurate proverb for practicing can affect one's mindset about practice. Proverbs, like other forms of language and self-talk, can influence our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, which in turn shape our actions and behaviors.

Here's how a well-chosen proverb can affect one's mindset about practice:

1. Encourages a growth mindset: A proverb that emphasizes progress, learning, and development, rather than perfection, can foster a growth mindset. This mindset embraces challenges, learns from failures, and believes in the power of effort and practice to improve skills.

2. Sets realistic expectations: A proverb that acknowledges the importance of practice without setting unrealistic expectations of perfection can help individuals maintain a healthier perspective on their progress and reduce the risk of frustration or burnout.

3. Promotes self-compassion: A proverb that encourages self-compassion and acceptance of one's imperfections can help individuals maintain motivation and persistence in the face of setbacks or challenges.

4. Focuses on the process: A proverb that emphasizes the value of the learning process, rather than just the end result, can help individuals stay engaged and motivated in their practice, even when progress is slow or difficult.

5. Encourages adaptability: A proverb that highlights the importance of adaptability and flexibility in practice can help individuals develop a more resilient and open-minded approach to learning and growth.

By consciously choosing a proverb that aligns with a positive, growth-oriented mindset, individuals can shape their internal dialogue and beliefs about practice. This, in turn, can influence their motivation, resilience, and overall approach to skill development. While a proverb alone may not transform one's mindset, it can serve as a powerful reminder and reinforcement of the attitudes and behaviors that support effective, sustainable practice.

4.