The first time I heard that was from a soccer coach. It stuck because it was a better take than “Practice makes Perfect”. He knew perfection was impossible, and the struggle towards it can be intimidating or distressing because we know it’s impossible.
But a pattern? It’s still work: it means preparation, repetition, feedback, adjustment, and repeat. And repeat. And repeat. Until it happens without thinking. Yeah, that I can do. Perfection - no; Pattern - yes.
Need a real-life example? Looking both ways before crossing a street.
You had to think about that when you were young. You were coached about how to do it. You thought about it as you walked to a corner.
Not anymore. You do it without thinking. Look left, right, cross. That’s a pattern.
Patterns are practiced until they don’t need an active thought. They just happen. Patterns win matches. Patterns build careers. Patterns keep relationships solid. Patterns are what the theologians call “Christian Disciplines”.
This week consider a pattern you’d like to practice. Bible reading. Exercise. Learning a new skill. You won’t be perfect, but you can build a pattern that changes your life.
Have a great week!
SLE