The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life - Master Any Skill or Challenge by Learning to Love the Process - Softcover

Thomas M. Sterner

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1608680908 ISBN 13: 9781608680900

Publisher: New World Library, 2012

Synopsis

We ve all learned many skills through practice; we ve just forgotten how. A child s first steps, for example, or riding a bike, or learning to read or write. As children, we existed in the present moment, so we didn t grow frustrated if we didn t reach our goal on the first try. We got up and tried again. Everything we learn and master in life, from walking and tying our shoes to saving money and raising a child, is accomplished through a form of practice, something we repeat over and over again. For the most part, we are not aware of the process as such, but that is how good practice manifests itself when done properly. It carries no stress-laden anticipation of when is the goal going to be reached? When we practice anything properly, the fact that we are engaging in a difficult learning process not only disappears, but more importantly it dissolves into a period of inner calming that gives us a rest from the tension and anxiety that our get it done yesterday world pushes on us every day of our lives. For this reason, it is important to recognize and be in control of the process and to learn to enjoy that part of life's activity. The Practicing Mind will help readers relearn that level of commitment and focus, showing them that when they reside in the present moment, practice becomes effortless and enjoyable, and often the practice becomes the goal, as we take baby steps but relish each of those steps.

About this title

Review:

"Where does great performance really come from? Thomas Sterner knows -- and he sees how profound the answer is."
-- Geoff Colvin, author of Talent Is Overrated

"I use the techniques I have learned from The Practicing Mind every day. The approach is relevant for both business executives and their junior golf children on and off the course. I recommend it to all my students because its lessons will help them in both golf and life."
-- Eric MacCluen, PGA Professional and Director of Golf Instruction at Applecross Country Club

"The Practicing Mind engagingly transforms difficulty into devotion, offering a practical, easy-to-understand approach that will transform your view of even the most challenging or mundane steps on your journey of life."
-- Marney K. Makridakis, author of Creating Time and founder of ArtellaLand.com

"Thomas Sterner gives us a useful, thoughtful, much-needed book on the often-overlooked science and art of practice. It blends careful research with plenty of enlightening and entertaining personal stories. Anyone hoping to excel at anything should read this. Keep on practicing!"
-- Roy F. Baumeister, coauthor of Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

"As you embrace the process-oriented approach described in The Practicing Mind, you'll achieve better results in any endeavor."
-- Michael J. Gelb, author of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci and Brain Power

About the Author:

Thomas M. Sterner has studied Eastern and Western philosophy and modern sports psychology and trained as a jazz pianist. For more than twenty-five years, he served as the chief concert piano technician for a major performing arts center while operating a piano remanufacturing facility. He has also worked in the sound and video arts fields as a recording engineer, audio and video editor and processor, and composer. He is an accomplished musician, private pilot, student of archery, and avid golfer. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware.

About this edition

• Publisher: New World Library
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1608680908
• ISBN 13: 9781608680900
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144