Daily Practice

Several weeks ago, eight adolescents ranging in age from 12-14 tied as champions for the National Spelling Bee. An incredible feat! I have always been someone thankful for (and dependent on) spell check. I still remember when I was in fourth grade losing in one of the early spelling bee rounds when I was given the word grateful and I spelled incorrectly but with confidence: G-R-E-A-T-F-U-L. It was an early lesson in where my natural talents fell short. It was also a lesson in how a little bit more practice could have helped me get to the next round over a word that I hastily spelled without thinking it through.

There were several things that struck me about the 2019 National Spelling Bee winners – their cheering and support of each other, their recognition of so many words, their brilliance but also their commitment to practice. Each of these champions shared how they spent many hours per week, with practice daily to help them each be prepared. This was in addition to their school and family responsibilities. It was quite remarkable to hear these young students have the maturity to recognize that if they wanted something, they needed to put in the work to get it.

We all have something to learn from these champions. Now yes, often as adults we have several levels of complexities that can create some additional challenges to going after what we want but at the end of the day, we can take action to help us get closer to our goals.

It’s the small steps, the positive habits, the daily practice that ultimately lead to life changing opportunities and experiences. Dream Big. Act immediately. Be consistent. Live Fully!

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Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Registered Investment Advisor.