The Art of Engraving

One of the great techniques for developing any skill is this one.  We have to engrave the skill so intensely onto our brains and into our muscles that it becomes second nature.  Even as I type these words my fingers are flying over these keys because of the many years I’ve spent at a computer keyboard. 

Daniel Coyle wrote an amazing little book called The Little Book of Talent.  Here is what Daniel says about engraving.

“The key to effective engraving

is to create an intense connection:

to watch and listen so closely

that you can imagine the feeling

of performing the skill.”

NASA astronauts and pilots in training call this simulation.  You simulate as closely as possible to the real experience until you get it right over and over again.

Denis Waitley, famed psychologist and inspiration speaker and writer says this: 

“The human brain cannot tell the difference between a real and an imagined experience.”

Are you watching your skill?

Are you concentrating on your skill?

Then you are on a good track toward better skill development.

Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student