We’re in an orchestra with a command performance impending.

No one knows how to play even a scale. Instead of practicing their instruments, they’re saying learning to play their own instruments would distract from the orchestra playing together. We have to practice as an orchestra without knowing how to play ourselves.

They keep pointing at the musical score and reciting musical theory, but not putting their fingers on their instruments. They steadfastly refuse.

They’re saying someone will create better instruments and insist further on not practicing.

They say they don’t have time or money to practice, that it means deprivation and sacrifice.

When someone tries to practice they say there’s no point. They say it will distract from playing as an orchestra so they keep not practicing, thinking not practicing as individuals will help the orchestra play better.

The date of the performance approaches and they keep talking and talking about theory, never practicing.

I’m here to show that practicing is the fastest, most effective way to prepare and that it brings not deprivation and sacrifice but joy, fun, freedom, community, connection, meaning, and purpose. The process and results are rewarding.

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Do you prefer a sports analogy? Substitute that our team made the World Series, World Cup, or whatever championship you prefer, and nobody knows the basics. They just keep spouting what they read in the rule book but not playing.

Though not a team sport, consider boxing, where if you don’t perform well you get punched in the face.

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Prefer an acting, singing, or other performance analogy? They all work.

You perform how you practice. Practicing the basics is how you reach mastery and virtuosity.

Practicing is the fastest, most effective way to prepare and that it brings not deprivation and sacrifice but joy, fun, freedom, community, connection, meaning, and purpose. The process and results are rewarding.

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