Do The Reps

If you want to build any muscle, you’ll know you need to do repetitions. Often in sets. So, to build your bicep you might do arm curls. Say ten repetitions (reps) in three sets separated by 30 seconds to one minutes. Therefore 30 in total in two to three minutes. The more we often we do that (say three times a week), the larger our biceps get and the quicker they get big. Similarly, if we want to learn to ride a bike, we could get a balance bike 1, and learn to ride that. Then progress to a normal bicycle. Again, you might have ten rapid attempts at riding, a break and then another ten and a break and then another ten. That is, three sets of ten repetitions. You probably won’t learn to ride in that time, but you’ll get closer and better. Once you do you move onto a bike with pedals. If you want to learn to kick a ball, you’d do the same thing. Throwing. The same. Playing an instrument. Similar again.

Yet.

When it comes to writing we think we either are writers, or we aren’t. When it comes to video, we think we are comfortable or good or we aren’t. When it comes to social media, we think we’re into it / good at it or we aren’t.

When in actual fact.

A balance bike is essentially a bike without pedals. You use your feet to push and propel yourself. There are pegs to rest your feet on when you role. The better ones have hand breaks as well. It’s a much better way to learn to ride a bike than with training wheels.

All we need is to do the reps.

So, when it comes to writing grants, journal articles, your thesis, a blog, a social media post. The only thing that will get you better is doing the reps. Writing and putting it out there for people to see. Showing others. You don’t need to hear or listen to their feedback. You just need to do the reps. You’ll soon learn what is good and what is not. Of course other people’s feedback helps. Some of it will be helpful, others not.

Indeed, practice on its own, without external feedback, will be enough to develop your writing skills. Anecdote and research both agree — producing volumes of work is more effective at increasing quality than focusing on producing quality of work. So start writing, blogging, posting.

But, after all this, if you are conscious about what you’re writing, posting or sharing — I’d be happy to take a look.

Dr Richard Huysmans is the author of Connect the Docs: A Guide to getting industry partners for academics . He loves helping entrepreneurs live their dreams. He finds that nothing is quite as satisfying as helping someone write a grant for research project; or bringing a life-goal to reality. He is driven by the challenge of helping people be commercially smart. His clients appreciate his cut-through approach. He knows the sector and how to turn ideas into reality. To find out more, call 0412 606 178, email (Richard.huysmans@ravencg.com.au ) or subscribe to the newsletter.

1A balance bike is essentially a bike without pedals. You use your feet to push and propel yourself. There are pegs to rest your feet on when you role. The better ones have hand breaks as well. It’s a much better way to learn to ride a bike than with training wheels.

Originally published at https://www.drrichardhuysmans.com on March 4, 2019.