The Practicing Mind
by Thomas M. Sterner · first published 2006
92% recommend8% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Short, practical book on developing focus and discipline by treating skill-building as playful practice rather than do-or-die results; useful for anyone who struggles with perfectionism or failure.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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…violin technique book highly recommended). Kenny Werner, http://www.amazon.com/Effortless-Mastery-Liberating-Master-M... (recommends pianists practice long tones ?!) Sterner: http://www.amazon.com/The-Practicing-Mind-Developing-Discipl... Bruser: http://artofpracticing.com/book/ (Gerald Klickstein' book is also good, i remember) Julie Lieberman has soem good violin-specific eg http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.do?itemid=6954...
on “The Science and Art of Practicing” ↗I know that feeling. Check out this book, which talks a lot about focus and discipline: http://www.amazon.com/The-Practicing-Mind-Developing-Discipl...
on “Ask HN: How can I remedy scatter brain and information overload?” ↗Read the book "The Practicing Mind" by Thomas Sterner. In this moment you are already perfect exactly as you are, because in this moment there is no other way that you can possibly be. If you are already perfect in this moment, then…
on “I am burned out while still in learning phase” ↗The spirit and message of this post remind me of one of the best books I've read: The Practicing Mind. (http://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Mind-Bringing-Discipline-Fo...) I fight myself over striving for perfection constantly. When I get closer to the "practicing" mindset I'm happier and more productive.…
on “Perfect versus Better” ↗1. "Meditations" – Marcus Aurelius 2. "The Practicing Mind" – Thomas Sterner 3. "Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance" – Atul Gawande (I'm not a surgeon; the principles herein are universal) (honorable mention: "How to Win Friends and Influence People"…
on “Ask HN: What three books impacted your career the most?” ↗If you're interested in changing how you process failure, consider "The Practicing Mind" by Thomas Sterner. A significant personal struggle of mine which I had from a very young age, was a difficulty accepting my own failures and shortcomings. My parents always taught my to shoot for the…
on “In a society obsessed with success, how do we come to terms with failure?” ↗The Practicing Mind https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/335864 Can't recommend it enough. I've listened to the audio book version several times. It has made a meaningful difference in my life.
on “Ask HN: What book have you re-read 3x or more?” ↗I'd recommend a read of The Practicing Mind to see how it might be different. A tedious task can easily be therapeutic if you go in with a "beginner's mind". It's kind of meditative, being present in the moment through the whole task.
on “The Best Thing That Can Happen to Electric Cars Is What Happened to 1990s PCs” ↗…instead just a few times a week. - Say "fuck it" more and don't attach your sense of self to your results. As much as you can, treat things like playful practice rather than do-or-die. The book, "The Practicing Mind" is a great short read on this. Step 3: If all else fails, take an epic road trip to re-understand who you are without defining yourself by what you do. Step 4: Get enlightened. Its another project,…
on “Ask HN: Dealing with Burnout” ↗Stop whatever you're doing now and read this book: "The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life - Master Any Skill or Challenge by Learning to Love the Process" by Thomas M. Sterner.
on “Ask HN: The “I want to do everything but end up doing nothing” dilemma” ↗You don't need any timer but self-discipline. The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life Master...Book http://amzn.to/2e0p4CY
on “Ask HN: Pomodoro Timer gadget?” ↗The Practicing Mind "Bringing Discipline and Focus Into Your Life" by Thomas Sterner http://www.amazon.com/dp/0977657205
on “Ask HN: What books are you reading” ↗I read this, and I have also read "The Practicing Mind" which is exactly what this post is about. My issue isn't in understanding the premise. It all makes sense, and I get a sense of "ah hah!" every time I read it (I've read it twice). The issue for me…
on “On Coding, Ego and Attention” ↗