Michael Cole Seminars

The Universal Law of Practice describes a repeated action with the intention of developing a specific skill. The Universal Law of Practice is connected to the Universal Laws of Willingness and Belief. The demonstration of Belief is a Willingness to take action – to Practice – on that belief.

If it sounds circular, that’s because it is! Let’s break it down.

We may begin with the definition of Practice. Practice is both a noun and a verb. You can engage in a certain Practice, or you can Practice an action.

Merriam-Webster defines PRACTICE in the following ways:

VERB:
a: to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually
b: to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient
c: to train by repeated exercises

NOUN:
a: actual performance or application
b: a repeated or customary action
c: systematic exercise for proficiency

To paraphrase, PRACTICE is the repeated action with the intention of developing a skill. Related words include apply; carry out; exercise; prepare; work; perform; follow; observe; study.

The opposite meanings of PRACTICE include: refuse, rebuff, decline, snub, throw out, discard, disallow, eliminate, deny.

When we PRACTICE, it means that our belief is strong enough to take action. When the belief that promotes the action is good, the return of that good is multiplied. The action based on a belief is a skillful action; and repetition is the mother of skill. The degree that you repeat is the degree of skill that is received.

PRACTICE may be illustrated by example. A repeated action could be to save five dollars a day. In one year, this action – or PRACTICE - amounts to a couple thousand dollars saved. In five years, it becomes fourteen thousand dollars. In ten years, it is forty thousand. In twenty years, the amount soars to one hundred and forty thousand dollars.

And the same five dollars a day, in forty years, will become one million dollars, based on the results of a single PRACTICE.

Thus, the fruit of the repeated action multiplies itself over time, and we see how PRACTICE not only promotes progress, but also prosperity. Simply put: those who PRACTICE, prosper!

There is a learning curve inherent in the Universal Law of Practice. The “B.S.” or “bad stuff” stage is an inevitable part of the process. Practice is awkward until it’s graceful, and difficult until it’s easy. Many people don’t have the Willingness or the Belief to continue the Practice through the bad stuff, so they quit at the “B.S.” stage [refer to graphic] and return, once again, to the idea phase.

But those who are willing to Practice – repeatedly, over time – are those who are worthy of receiving progress, prosperity, and perfection.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Think of a belief that you hold strongly enough to inspire Practice
Have you ever abandoned Practice in the “B.S.” stage, only to return to the idea stage once again?
Can you recall a practice that you maintained which led you to progress or prosperity?
What's one practice that you've been putting off that you are now willing to engage in?

Remember: People who Practice, Prosper, Progress and Perfect!

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