Focus, dedication... What are you missing?

"There’s no value in digging shallow wells in a hundred places. Decide on one place and dig deep." -Sri S. Satchidananda

We often hear that progress is like digging a well—you have to pick one spot and keep digging. Jumping from style to style won’t get you far. Or, sometimes we hear that “The dog who chases two rabbits goes hungry.” In other words, focus on one path if you want results.Dedication and focus are essential. But there’s another quality we don't hear about often enough: critical thinking.

Yoga students are often quite good at showing up and putting in the hard work. Teachers will often encourage students to be consistent. But when was the last time someone asked you to stop, check yourself, and ask “What the hell am I doing here?”

I’m asking you now

• Why are you here?
• What are you hoping to accomplish with your practice?
• Is this really the best way to go about it?  

I spent years being very dedicated. Practicing the way my teachers and the Ashtanga tradition told me to. And I never really thought critically about my practice. I learned how to be disciplined, which is certainly valuable. But I didn't have any goal beyond continuing to show up.

"If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up somewhere else"  -Yogi Berra

Practice for the change you want to see

Depending on what your goals are. Your current practice might not be an efficient or effective strategy. The next time you're in yoga class, think about what your goals are. And if you’ve been consistent, showing up for your practice week after week, and nothing is changing. Consider a different strategy.

The dog that chases two rabbits goes hungry... 

Ok. But are you even chasing one rabbit? Or are you chasing your tail in circles? 

There’s no value in digging shallow wells in a hundred places...

Fine. But are you sure that’s and shovel in your hand and not a broom? 

When to stop digging the well

• Did you set concrete achievable goals?
• Did you identify the actions you are going to take?
• Have you been consistent with your practice for at least 4 weeks?
• Are you keeping track of your progress? 

Four weeks is usually enough to notice changes. Your practice might not be as rapid as you thought. But four weeks of consistent practice and tracking is enough to see if your current practice is working for you.