![image.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmZqSpmRzsYFXLE8ERfrXmgYqow9GPQtscnmsE3QjwyF96)

I’ve come to notice that one thing that makes us bored of practice is the assumption that the main purpose of practice is to learn how to do a thing. So once we feel we already know how to do a thing, we begin to question why we should really keep doing what we already know. 

Why should I keep practicing when I know all these things already? Isn’t it just a waste of time?

We learn to do things and then we strive to master those things. The path to mastery is constant practice. “Knowing” is more theoretical and I’ve come to realize that you can have all the theories in the world and still be of no good to yourself. 

I could very well read up on how to fly a plane, watch endless hours of videos on the subject but never become a pilot. I could go one step further and fly a few times (in simulation) but won’t get certified if I don’t meet up with the minimum number of flying time required. The whole essence of simulation is to provide practice. 

For a while before I began to drive, I of course knew all the theories about driving. I knew how to start the engines, what pedal did what, and that I needed to keep the car steady as I drive. It all seemed very easy until I eventually got behind the wheels. I knew what to do quite alright but knowing, as I soon found out, is completely different from actually doing! 

## So what’s the place of practice? 

_Practice helps you master a skill._ 

It helps ensure that you’re able to perform the tasks without thinking too much about it.

Going back to the driving analogy, when I finally began to drive, I’d mentally picture my route before I even step into the car. I’ll prepare myself for the busy sections of the journey and the tricky parts. I always put in so much effort before the trip starts and also during the trip. My concentration had to be top notch, not because I wanted to be a model driver and obey every traffic rule, but because it wasn’t second nature yet and I needed to intentionally process every action I took. 

Doing this over time (practice) has now made it possible for me to pick up my keys straight from bed and drive anywhere without having to perform any of the previous rituals. I no longer need to check which pedal my foot was on or try super hard to keep the car steady. 

So next time when you begin to question why you have to continue on a path when you think you already have the basics covered, remember the word “practice”.