I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the phrase, “practice makes perfect” throughout my life. It’s catchy, motivational, and…utterly misleading. The truth is, practice NEVER produces perfection. But that doesn’t make it any less essential. The true value of practice isn’t in reaching some flawless outcome. Its power lies in what you learn, who you become, and the habits you form along the way.
Conscious, deliberate practice forms good habits, and those habits eventually become things we simply do without thinking. They become part of who we are. There is NO “magic pill,” no “pixie dust”…you must intentionally work to cultivate beneficial habits. As the philosopher Will Durant famously summarized Aristotle’s teachings, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
There’s a big difference between repetition and practice. Repetition can be mindless. It's just going through the motions, over and over and over again. But practice? Practice is intentional. It demands presence, self-awareness, and a willingness to be uncomfortable. It’s about strengthening a skill or shaping a mindset on purpose. And here’s the thing: practice works even when what’s being practiced isn’t good. If you consistently practice lying or reacting with aggression, you’ll get better at that, too. So, we have to be mindful of what we’re practicing, not just that we’re practicing.
Some practices are fun and energizing, like learning a new skill you are genuinely interested in. However, many are grueling, humbling, and inconvenient. Both are equally essential. That’s kind of the point. Real growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Practice is what moves us forward when progress feels far away. It’s where resilience is built, and where transformation quietly takes root.
As a mom of three active kids, the concept of practice touches nearly every corner of our lives. Each week, we're juggling six volleyball practices, two strength and conditioning sessions, and two baseball practices, not to mention our spiritual commitments like Wednesday night youth group and Sunday morning church. But, in our home, practice is about intentionally carving out time for a sit-down family meal at least once a week and spending a few quiet moments with each child before bed to reflect on their day.
I’ll be the first to admit that we don’t always get it right, but I have to keep reminding myself that PERFECTION is NOT the goal. Some weeks, these practices feel more like burdens than rhythms of growth. What I’ve come to realize is that my mindset is the catalyst that fuels our family’s practices. My goal is not to raise flawless athletes or achieve perfect attendance. It's to shape grounded, well-rounded human beings. When I keep that end goal in focus, the effort feels worthwhile.
My husband and I truly believe that these small, intentional practices are helping to build something meaningful in our kids. But when our mindset shifts toward perfectionism or unrealistic expectations, the very things meant to nurture us can turn toxic and joyless. Sustaining healthy habits requires grace, perspective, and the willingness to keep showing up, even imperfectly.
Habits make up the majority of our thoughts and actions. Once formed, they become automatic, and they don’t discriminate between being helpful and harmful. Like many people (me included), we have unintentionally practiced ourselves into some detrimental habits. One of the hardest realizations of this fact came through my middle child. Someone noticed that my tone with her was different—and not a good different, if you know what I mean. It was a gut-punch. But once I saw it, I couldn’t ignore it, and I became determined to fix it. That meant slowing down and being intentional BEFORE I responded to her. It was and still is hard work. But somewhere along the way, the way I spoke to her had become a habit (not one I wanted to keep), and I had to consciously unlearn it.
The good news? We can practice our way out of bad habits, BUT it must be intentional. The research of practice supports that deliberate, structured, feedback-informed practices improve MOST activities. Keep in mind, this isn’t “willy-nilly” practicing. This is practicing with intention. Intentional practice can replace a reactive tendency with a thoughtful pause. It can turn insecurity into quiet confidence. And over time, it can reshape how we think, lead, and live.
There’s also a deeper truth here: our heart often follows our habits. We don’t always feel our way into new behavior. Sometimes we have to behave our way into new feelings.
In the legal world, we call it a “law practice,” and that wording is no accident. It should remind you daily that you never truly “arrive.” There’s always more to learn, more to refine, and more to grow into. The title itself is a nod to the reality that mastery isn’t a destination. It’s a lifelong process. And the heart of that practice? It’s you. The practitioner. Your mindset, your ethics, and your willingness to stay teachable.
That’s why this idea of practice has taken on a deeper meaning in my life. Whether you are preparing for court, parenting through a chaotic week of kids’ activities, or simply trying to make time for one real family dinner, you are practicing. Practicing presence. Patience. Grace. Discipline. Leadership. And just like in law, there are wins and losses, breakthroughs and stumbles, but the point is to keep showing up and refining who you are in the process.
This mindset applies far beyond the courtroom. Viewing your life as a practice can be freeing. It shifts the focus away from perfection and toward progress. We’re not meant to be perfect… we’re meant to grow.
While practice can lead to growth, it’s essential to recognize when certain habits or patterns aren't serving you or your firm. Over time, you might have unconsciously practiced yourself into behaviors that hinder your personal and professional progress. These can include:
The good news is that habits, both good and bad, are formed through repetition. By identifying these behaviors, you can take proactive steps to unlearn them and replace them with practices that align with your goals and values.
Whether you want to change your habit of interrupting colleagues, respond more calmly in tough conversations, or grow a new skill, practice is the path.
Now, it’s time to practice your way out. Let me offer six ways to perfect your practice. These steps are sure to enhance the mindset of practice.
Six Steps to Embrace the Art of Practice
Practice isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming better. More aware. More aligned. More grounded in who you want to be.
So, forget the myth of perfection. Practice instead to build habits that serve you and your team, strengthen your integrity, and move you toward the excellence you seek. Maybe the old saying “practice makes perfect” needs a little rework. Because in real life, practice doesn’t make perfect: Practice creates growth. And that kind of growth, the kind that shapes character, deepens relationships, and builds resilience, is worth every imperfect effort. So let’s get excellent at practicing. We haven’t arrived, and that’s the point. There’s always room to grow, stretch, and become just a little better at whatever it is we’re practicing, on purpose.
