According to Stefan Falk —an internationally recognized executive coach and workplace psychology expert—the magic ingredient of practice is practice, because practice changes things. Falk has more than three decades of experience developing peak performance strategies for elite achievers across industries. Since the beginning of his career, he has sought to demystify the dynamics of how we motivate success. He stresses that only 20 minutes of deliberate practice every single day can make a world of difference and quickly advance your craft. This modest pledge has an equally powerful impact on our brains.
Falk is not only a leadership consultant but the author of the acclaimed book “Intrinsic Motivation: Learn to Love Your Work and Succeed as Never Before.” His research highlights that short, daily sessions of practice can induce measurable brain changes, enhancing an individual’s ability to learn and grow. Follow his advice on social media, including on LinkedIn, to open a world of learning and wisdom. This unique body of knowledge is tailored to propel your personal and professional development.
The Science Behind Daily Practice
Recent research supports Falk’s assertion. Research has found that practicing 20 to 30 minutes a day is all it takes to activate structural and functional brain changes that maximize performance. This concept aligns with the well-known principles of neuroplasticity, which suggest that the brain is capable of reorganizing itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. The more that people practice with the intention of improving, the more they don’t just get good at their craft—they get better at thinking.
Falk notes, “What’s an instrument that moves you? That makes you feel something?” This question pushes each person to find their why, and that why is necessary for keeping the fire burning in practice. By connecting emotionally with their work or a specific skill, practitioners are more likely to engage consistently and with intent.
Furthermore, the effects of practice reach past just individual performance. Falk advocates for a culture of continuous improvement in the workplace. He motivates team members to invest the necessary time to save their skills. This tactic not only increases employee satisfaction but it fosters a more productive and innovative team.
Insights from Visionaries
Stefan Falk’s notions of practice powerfully echo the sentiments of some of the most innovative minds in the technology sector. In his 1995 interview for the PBS documentary “Triumph of the Nerds,” Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs inspired the need for collaboration. He emphasized how important a diverse skill set is to their success. He stated, “I think part of what made the Macintosh great was that the people working on it were musicians and poets and artists and zoologists and historians, who happened to be the best computer scientists in the world.” This revelation further highlights the significance of interdisciplinary skills and the role they play in creating innovative results.
Jobs’ vision also resonates with Falk’s focus on the power of intrinsic motivation. It’s that fusion of passion and practice that’s the secret ingredient to excellence in any discipline. By fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to explore their interests—whether it be in technology, art, or science—organizations can cultivate creativity that drives success.
Practical Steps for Implementation
In order to enact Falk’s recommendations to the fullest extent, today’s practitioners can begin by simply making time each day a priority. This might mean getting them engaged in something connected to their job or something in their areas of passion. The secret is not motivation, but consistency. It doesn’t take long sessions, but regular practice can result in impressive achievements in the long run.
Falk suggests beginning with a simple approach: choose a skill or area of interest and commit to at least 20 minutes each day. Whether it’s developing an app, writing a novel, or learning to play the piano, this disciplined practice delivers phenomenal outcomes. When practitioners build their skills, they find themselves more engaged and more motivated. This engagement fuels a dogfooding positive feedback loop empowering them to perform even better.