How to practice effectively

Through practice, we can improve and perfect any movement, whether it’s walking, cycling, crocheting, tennis, or playing an instrument.

But how does it actually work?

In the wonderful TED-Ed video “How to practice effectively… for just about anyting” Annie Bosler and Don Greene illustrate the principles of effective practicing. We learn about the plasticity of the brain* and how myelin builds our neural pathways into super-efficient data highways.

*) Neuronal plasticity is the ability of synapses, nerve cells or even entire brain areas to change their anatomy and function in order to optimize ongoing processes. Depending on the system in question, this is called synaptic plasticity or cortical plasticity, for example.

They describe how to practice effectively and how to “master” a movement through thousands of conscious, slow, and controlled repetitions.

Mastering any physical skill takes practice. Practice is the repetition of an action with the goal of improvement, and it helps us perform with more ease, speed, and confidence.

Have fun upgrading your brain!