You may have noticed last Tuesday that you received TWO newsletters from me… Let’s just say that my organizational/scheduling skills are a bit lacking…
Anyhoo, that second newsletter was supposed to be for this week, so instead I’m writing this newsletter on the fly! I’m not the best at improv, but practice makes progress, doesn’t it?
Lately I’ve been thinking about the idea of “getting in the reps.” While this most often applies to some sort of fitness routine be it weight lifting/pilates/etc., I’ve been applying it to every area of my life. Getting in the reps of more frequent sketching. Getting in the reps of correcting my posture throughout the day (because I’m ALWAYS sitting like a shrimp). Getting in the reps of chatting with folks I meet while running errands.
The purpose of “getting in the reps” is not to cross something off the to-do list. It’s to make it a natural part of our lives. To engrain it into ourselves. To build the muscle memory. To not let fear or idleness or anxiety get in the way of doing the things we want to do.
Because you’re never going to be a good conversationalist if you don’t start talking to people. You’re never going to be great at sketching if you don’t open your sketchbook. You’re never going to be a morning person if you keep hitting snooze.
Getting in the reps isn’t comfortable, but it WILL grow you. And what once seemed so difficult will eventually become just another natural part of your life.
What’s a skill or habit you want to build? How can you get in the reps this week?