Training is Not Practice.

Training and practice are two completely different things. The two words are often used interchangeably, which is okay, don’t worry. We are not here to debate semantics…unless you are, then understand that I am no expert and keep reading.

Training is what you sign up for to learn something new. It is where you are taught a skill that you did not know before or know little about. Training on a specific topic does not happen very often. It is a situation with a “teacher” and a “student”. When you are done with training, you are not proficient with the skill yet. If you do not practice the new skill soon, you will have a hard time preforming it well.

Practice is what you do to reinforce what you have trained on. It is a repetitive use of the skill that makes you better at it, it conditions you. Practice should be done often enough to develop and maintain proficiency. When you have practiced enough, you can perform the skill with little to no thought.

Too many people attend a training and assume they are an expert on the topic they have just learned. Training is the first step, it is a very important thing. Practice is just as important, yet it is often overlooked. Keep an eye out and you will see it. Single exposure to a topic does not make you an expert.

Many people who practice a subject long enough think that they do not need more training. This is also false. Once you have practiced to proficiency you are in a prime spot for more training. There is always someone out there better than you. If you want to excel you should find that person and learn from them.

Don't ever assume you know it all. Don't ever assume you have practiced enough. Don’t ever assume you have trained enough. Be humble, empty your cup.