Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect is repeated in nearly every field, from sports and science to the arts, but what does it truly mean for those who strive for mastery? Recent breakthroughs at The Rockefeller University and UCLA published in Nature show that practice strengthens the neural pathways responsible for memory and skill, transforming what we struggle with into actions we perform on autopilot over time. Renowned musicians and athletes—like Serena Williams and Yo-Yo Ma—spend thousands of hours deliberately breaking down tasks, drilling fundamentals, and building “muscle memory.” Their experiences reflect a deeper truth: excellence comes less from sheer talent and more...

Practice makes perfect is a phrase ingrained in our collective mindset—but what does science actually say about the journey from repetition to expertise? According to recent research from Rockefeller University and UCLA, as reported in Nature, repeated practice not only boosts skill but also deeply engrains those actions into our brain’s memory pathways. Neurologist Peyman Golshani describes it like tuning a melody: with each repetition, the brain’s neurons create a more stable, harmonious pattern, transforming shaky effort into automatic precision.

Take, for example, athletes, concert pianists, or chess masters—individuals like grandmaster Magnus Carlsen or Olympian...

Practice makes perfect is more than a catchy phrase—it reflects one of the most robust findings in psychology: performance reliably improves with repetition. According to cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham, practice isn’t just about acquiring a skill, but making it automatic so that you can apply it without conscious effort. However, he emphasizes that brief or intense bursts of practice only yield short-term perfection—true expertise comes from sustained, ongoing practice that goes beyond the point when a skill first feels mastered.

Carnegie Mellon University researchers recently found that practicing problems with immediate feedback enables learners to more a...

Practice makes perfect is a phrase listeners hear everywhere, from the tennis court to the concert hall, but the real story is more complex—and far more powerful. Recent research at Carnegie Mellon University found that integrating practice with immediate feedback accelerates learning even more than traditional lectures do. Paulo Carvalho, a leading researcher, points out that practice doesn’t just highlight what we know, it quickly exposes what we don’t. According to him, sitting through a lecture feels productive, but only when confronted with actual problems does our true understanding, or lack of it, emerge.

This tracks...

As listeners, you’ve all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect,” but what does science say about the power of repetition and the path to mastery? The latest research from Carnegie Mellon University highlights that immediate feedback during practice—rather than passively absorbing information—dramatically accelerates learning. Paulo Carvalho, a leading figure in this work, emphasizes that when we practice with feedback, we confront and correct our weaknesses more efficiently than through traditional lectures alone. This principle holds true whether you’re a pianist, a surgeon, or a computer scientist.

Yet, perfecting a skill isn’t just about mindless repet...

The phrase “practice makes perfect” is deeply embedded in our culture, and for good reason—it’s one of the most extensively studied principles in psychology. Scientific research demonstrates that repeated, consistent practice reliably boosts performance, whether you’re learning to play an instrument, mastering a sport, or developing professional expertise. According to the National Science Teachers Association, improvements in speed, accuracy, and fluency can all be traced to repeated exposure and effort, reflecting the so-called “practice effect.” Mastery, though, isn’t just about doing the same thing over and over; it emerges when practice is deliberate, targets weaknesses, and evolves with you...

Practice makes perfect is a phrase deeply embedded in our culture, but what’s the real science behind it? According to recent findings published in the journal Nature, research teams from The Rockefeller University and UCLA have demonstrated that repeated practice significantly strengthens neural memory pathways, turning unstable knowledge into stable mastery over time. This effect, known as the practice effect, is not limited to one domain—it applies wherever expertise is developed, from the arts and sciences to sports. As summarized by Earth.com, this kind of repetition transforms fleeting knowledge into long-lasting skill.

Interviews and studies of w...

Welcome listeners. Today we’re diving into the phrase “practice makes perfect”—a saying we’ve all probably heard, but what does science and psychology really tell us about the power, limits, and potential pitfalls of practice?

At its core, practice is one of the most thoroughly studied phenomena in psychology. Research, as featured in the Journal of College Science Teaching, demonstrates that regularly repeating an activity leads to improvements in speed, accuracy, and fluency. This “practice effect” is multifaceted. It’s not just about what happens in your head; it’s a combination of cognitive, physical, and social changes tha...

Welcome, listeners. The phrase “practice makes perfect” is more than just a motivational saying—it’s rooted in neuroscience and psychology. Recent research from The Rockefeller University and UCLA, published in Nature, confirms that repeated practice actually transforms our neural memory pathways. As individuals work on a skill over time, these memory representations shift from being unstable to becoming solid and automatic, underscoring that practice is key to mastery.

Experts across fields—from athletes to scientists to artists—report that dedication to sustained, deliberate practice is far more predictive of success than innate talent. Large-scale studies, including those cited by cog...

The phrase “practice makes perfect” is more than just a motivational slogan—it’s a concept backed by science, psychology, and countless stories of mastery from individuals at the top of their fields. Recent research from Carnegie Mellon University in 2025 highlights that practice, especially when paired with immediate feedback, allows students to learn faster and more efficiently than traditional lecture-based methods. Paulo Carvalho, an assistant professor at CMU, explained that practice forces individuals to confront what they do or do not know, promoting deeper understanding and accelerating progress. With advances in technology, learners can now benefit from immediate feedback and engage i...

Welcome, listeners. Today, we dive into the phrase “Practice makes perfect” and examine the science, mindsets, and stories behind its enduring appeal. For centuries, coaches, musicians, and parents have used this mantra to inspire, but what does research say about the journey from novice to master?

Recent research published in early 2025 on PubMed shows that when we genuinely enjoy what we’re practicing, learning is not just faster but more effective—appealing tasks benefit disproportionately from repeated effort. This finding matches the lived experiences of champions across disciplines. World-class athletes like Simone Biles and legendary violinists alike often describe...

Welcome back, listeners. Today, we dive into a phrase you’ve heard since childhood: “Practice makes perfect.” What does science say about this idea, and how do world-class performers really turn grit into greatness?

First, let’s break down the science. Studies from the University of Cambridge and York University confirm that repeated, focused practice can speed up the process of learning new skills, thanks largely to how our brains reinforce neural pathways through a process called myelination. Myelin is a special tissue that insulates neural fibers, enabling faster and more precise signals. But there’s a twist—if you pract...

Practice makes perfect is an age-old phrase, but what does it really mean in the world of science, psychology, and real-life mastery? Today, let’s go beyond the cliché and break down why practice works, how to harness its real power, and where its limits can trip us up.

According to a recent study out of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science, students who engaged in hands-on practice with immediate feedback learned more efficiently and retained knowledge better than those relying on lectures alone. Paulo Carvalho, a lead researcher, highlights that practice with feedback doesn’t just re...

Welcome to Practice Makes Perfect, where we explore the science and psychology behind a phrase everyone knows but few truly understand: “Practice makes perfect.” According to a May 2025 study from Carnegie Mellon University, students who spent more time practicing with immediate feedback learned more efficiently than those who only attended lectures. This direct, hands-on effort quickly reveals what you don’t know and helps you target your weaknesses—crucial for anyone striving for mastery.

But is repetition alone enough? On today’s episode, we feature expert insights and interviews with high performers across fields. Olympians and musicians alike describe h...

The phrase “practice makes perfect” is a staple in sports, music, academics, and self-improvement. But recent research from top universities and experts uncovers a more nuanced reality beneath this common wisdom. Studies from Carnegie Mellon University in May 2025 reveal that students who engaged in regular, focused practice learned more efficiently than those who only attended lectures. Integrating practice with immediate feedback not only increases understanding but helps learners quickly pinpoint gaps in their knowledge. Paulo Carvalho, a lead researcher, highlights that practice with feedback “makes you face the truth of how much you do or do not know in a way th...

Welcome to "Mastery Mindset," where today we're diving into the age-old saying "Practice makes perfect." But does it really?

Recent research from February 2025 reveals that appealing tasks actually benefit more from practice, suggesting that enjoying what we practice significantly impacts our learning curve.

The truth is, practice alone doesn't guarantee perfection. As Fast Company pointed out just last week, the traditional belief that endless repetition leads to mastery is oversimplified. The internet and improved communication have revolutionized how we learn, allowing today's teenagers to achieve what once seemed impossible in games like Tetris.

Science...

Welcome to today's episode of "Mind Matters." I'm your host, and today we're diving into the age-old adage "Practice makes perfect." But does it really?

Recent research from Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute just yesterday revealed that students learn better and faster with practice versus lectures. This finding reinforces what many of us intuitively believe—that hands-on experience trumps passive learning.

However, cognitive science presents a more nuanced picture. The American Federation of Teachers points out that practice alone doesn't make perfect—what's necessary is sustained practice beyond the point of mastery. Without regular, ongoing revi...

Today, we’re exploring the phrase “practice makes perfect”—a saying echoed in sports arenas, music studios, and classrooms worldwide. While it’s catchy, does the science back it up? According to recent studies from the University of Cambridge, consistent follow-through in practice—like perfecting that final swing in golf or tennis—can accelerate skill learning and even allow us to master multiple complex skills at once. Their research demonstrates that variability in follow-through slows learning, so repeating the exact movement matters more than you might think.

Cognitive science offers another layer. Daniel Willingham for the American Federation of Teachers po...

The phrase “practice makes perfect” is deeply woven into our culture, but what does science really reveal about the journey from beginner to mastery? Recent research from the University of Cambridge underscores that consistent, repeatable motions accelerate skill acquisition, but there’s more to the story. As Psychology Today points out, accumulating hours in a domain doesn’t necessarily guarantee expertise—it’s the quality and structure of that practice that matters most.

Cognitive science shows that true mastery is sustained, not fleeting. According to the work highlighted by the American Federation of Teachers, experts—be they scientists, athletes, or a...

Welcome to today's episode of "Mind Matters" where we're diving into the age-old adage "Practice makes perfect." But does it really?

Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that consistency matters - learning a single skill can happen faster when the follow-through motion remains consistent. However, the notion that merely accumulating experience leads to mastery has been challenged by scientifically-backed evidence.

The Center for Motivation and Change points out that practice serves three key functions: improving your skills, increasing success probability when it matters, and building confidence. But cognitive scientists have discovered something surprising - practice...

The old adage "practice makes perfect" has been deeply embedded in our culture, but scientific evidence now suggests this might not be entirely accurate. Recent research from Cambridge University has shown that skills can be learned faster when follow-through motions remain consistent, indicating that quality of practice matters more than mere repetition.

Welcome to today's episode, where we're exploring the science behind practice and mastery. Cognitive scientists have discovered that practice alone doesn't guarantee perfection. Instead, what's necessary is sustained, deliberate practice that extends past the point of initial mastery.

As movement scientists studying basketball players...

Practice makes perfect is a phrase we’ve all heard, but what does science and real-world experience truly reveal about its meaning? Recent studies from the University of Cambridge confirm that repeated, consistent action can indeed accelerate skill acquisition, especially when the follow-through is uniform. This echoes findings in neuroscience: every time you practice a skill, you reinforce new neural connections, steadily erasing old habits and ensuring new ones take root, as detailed in Charles Duhigg’s book The Power of Habit.

Yet, not all practice is created equal. Research published in early 2025 shows we learn more quickly—and st...

Welcome to this week's episode of "Science of Success." Today we're diving into the truth behind that age-old saying "Practice makes perfect."

Recent research published just this February challenges our understanding of practice. Scientists found that appealing stimuli benefit more from practice and are easier to learn than unappealing ones - suggesting our interest in what we're practicing significantly impacts our progress.

The University of Cambridge discovered that consistent follow-through motions can help us learn skills faster. Their research shows that the particular motor memory active in our brain depends on both lead-in and follow-through movements.<...

The Science Behind "Practice Makes Perfect": Myth or Reality?

Welcome to today's episode where we're diving into the age-old adage "practice makes perfect." Recent research from early 2025 suggests that appealing stimuli actually benefit from practice and are easier to learn compared to their unappealing counterparts. This fascinating finding helps explain why we stick with activities we enjoy.

But does practice truly make perfect? The answer isn't straightforward. Scientific evidence indicates that merely accumulating experience in a domain doesn't strongly correlate with performance level. What cognitive science has unexpectedly revealed is that practice alone doesn't guarantee perfection...

Welcome to today's episode on the science behind "Practice Makes Perfect"—a phrase we've all heard, but what does research actually tell us?

Recent research from cognitive psychology confirms that practice truly is transformative, but with an important twist. It's not just any practice that leads to mastery, but "deliberate practice"—focused effort that extends beyond the point of initial mastery.

Scientists at Brown University discovered in 2017 that "overlearning," continuing to practice for 20 minutes after reaching proficiency, helps lock in skills more permanently. This challenges the notion that we should simply move on once we've gotten some...

The Science Behind "Practice Makes Perfect": Myth or Reality?

Welcome to today's episode where we explore the truth behind the age-old saying "practice makes perfect." Is it truly that simple?

Research suggests a more nuanced reality. Cognitive scientists have discovered that practice alone isn't enough – it's the quality of practice that matters. The concept of "deliberate practice," pioneered by researcher Anders Ericsson at Florida State University, shows that expertise is acquired through consistent, focused hard work rather than innate talent.

But there's more to it than just repetition. Neuroscience reveals the cerebellum plays a cr...

Welcome, listeners. Today we’re exploring the age-old phrase “practice makes perfect” and what science, psychology, and experience can reveal about mastery, motivation, and the sometimes overlooked costs of relentless effort.

Research from Florida State University, building on the work of psychologist Anders Ericsson, shows that expertise is less about innate talent and more about what’s called deliberate practice — purposeful, systematic effort focused on improving specific areas of performance. According to Ericsson’s studies, whether in music, chess, sports, or science, those at the top are most often those who devoted years to consistent, targeted practice, with supportive c...

Practice makes perfect is one of those timeless phrases that has inspired everyone from musicians to athletes and entrepreneurs. But what does it really mean, and what does science reveal about the true power of practice? Cognitive psychologists like Anders Ericsson, whose groundbreaking research at Florida State University shaped decades of thinking, found that mastery is not just about repeating a skill endlessly but about engaging in what he called "deliberate practice." This means stepping outside your comfort zone, focusing on your weaknesses, and constantly seeking feedback, rather than simply performing what you already know over and over. As Annie...

“Practice makes perfect” may be a familiar phrase, but what does it truly mean? Delving into the science and psychology of practice reveals that mastery comes not just from repetition, but from focused, deliberate effort. Anders Ericsson, a cognitive psychologist renowned for his research on expertise, emphasized “deliberate practice” as the key to achieving world-class skill. This involves setting specific goals, working on weaknesses with intense focus, and often seeking feedback from a coach or mentor. Unlike casual repetition, deliberate practice is challenging and rarely enjoyable, but it is precisely this discomfort that drives growth.

Consider the remarkable achievem...

The phrase “practice makes perfect” has been a staple in the journey toward mastery, yet its truth lies not in mere repetition but in the science of *deliberate practice*. Coined by cognitive psychologist Anders Ericsson, deliberate practice extends beyond mechanical repetition. It emphasizes focused, intentional efforts targeting weaknesses, coupled with regular feedback and careful self-evaluation. This method has shaped virtuosos from concert pianists to Olympic athletes by cultivating the sophisticated brain processes necessary for excellence, such as enhanced myelination—a phenomenon that strengthens the brain's neural pathways to improve efficiency and skill execution.

Take, for example, Samuel Clemens, better...

Today, let’s dive into the phrase "practice makes perfect" and explore the fascinating science and psychology that support it. This timeless saying holds more truth than you might imagine. Researchers like Anders Ericsson, a pioneer in studying expertise, revealed that deliberate practice—structured, focused, and often repetitive—plays a crucial role in achieving mastery. It turns out experts are not born—they’re made through years of disciplined effort. Deliberate practice stretches beyond simple repetition; it involves pushing yourself just outside your comfort zone and correcting errors along the way.

Consider athletes like Serena Williams or violinists such as It...

“Practice makes perfect” is a phrase we’ve all heard, but what does it really mean? And does practice truly lead to perfection? Cognitive and neurological sciences tell us that the answer is more nuanced. Florida State University’s Anders Ericsson, renowned for his expertise in understanding expertise, introduced the concept of deliberate practice—focused, goal-oriented practice—as essential for mastery. His work highlights that talent alone doesn’t create experts; consistent, deliberate effort does.

The brain plays a critical role in this process. Neuroscientists have discovered that practice enhances a substance called myelin, which insulates neural pathways responsible fo...

Welcome to today's podcast exploring the science behind the age-old adage "Practice makes perfect." Recent research has shed new light on this common phrase, revealing that not all practice is created equal.

A 2023 study published in Nature Neuroscience found that "overlearning" - practicing beyond the point of mastery - can actually cement skills more effectively than standard practice. The study showed that participants who continued training on a visual task for 20 minutes after reaching proficiency locked in their performance gains and became resistant to interference from learning similar tasks.

But what about world-class performers? Anders Ericsson...

Welcome to today's episode on the science behind "Practice makes perfect." We've all heard this phrase, but what's the real story?

Recent research from Florida State University's Cognitive Psychology Program sheds light on how deliberate practice shapes expertise. Their studies show that experts aren't born, they're made through consistent, focused effort.

But it's not just about putting in hours. Neuroscience tells us that practice actually rewires our brains. When we practice a skill, we strengthen neural pathways, making actions smoother and more automatic over time. This process, called myelination, is like upgrading from dial-up to broadband...

Welcome to today's episode exploring the science behind the age-old adage "Practice makes perfect." Recent studies have shed new light on this concept, revealing that it's not just about the quantity of practice, but the quality and approach that truly matter.

In 2024, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that deliberate practice, focusing on specific areas of improvement, leads to more significant gains than repetitive practice alone. This aligns with the experiences of world-class performers like violinist Hilary Hahn, who emphasizes the importance of targeted practice sessions.

However, it's crucial to note that practice doesn't always yield...

Welcome to today's episode on the science of practice and mastery. We've all heard the phrase "practice makes perfect," but is it really that simple?

Recent research suggests that while practice is crucial, the quality of that practice matters more than sheer quantity. A 2024 study published in Nature Neuroscience found that "deliberate practice" - focused, goal-oriented training - is far more effective than mindless repetition.

To explore this further, we spoke with Dr. Angela Duckworth, psychologist and author of "Grit." She emphasizes that top performers in any field combine passion with perseverance. "It's not just about...

Welcome to today's episode on the science of practice and mastery. We've all heard the phrase "practice makes perfect," but is it really that simple?

Recent research suggests that while practice is crucial, the quality of that practice matters more than sheer quantity. A 2024 study from Carnegie Mellon University found that deliberate, focused practice - where you actively identify and work on weaknesses - leads to faster skill improvement than mindless repetition.

To dig deeper, we spoke with world-renowned violinist Sarah Chen, who recently dazzled audiences at Carnegie Hall. Chen emphasizes the importance of "deep practice"...

Welcome to today's episode on the science behind "Practice Makes Perfect." We've all heard this phrase, but is it really true? Recent research suggests it's not quite that simple.

Studies show that practice is crucial for improvement, but not all practice is created equal. The key is deliberate practice - focused, goal-oriented sessions that target specific weaknesses. This approach, pioneered by psychologist Anders Ericsson, has been adopted by top performers across various fields[1].

Take concert pianist Lang Lang, who practices up to eight hours daily. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and focused repetition[2]. Similarly...

Welcome to today's episode on the science of practice. We've all heard the phrase "practice makes perfect," but is that really true? Recent research suggests it's more nuanced.

Studies show that deliberate, focused practice is key to improvement, not just repetition. Dr. Anders Ericsson, a pioneer in expertise research, found that top performers engage in purposeful practice, constantly pushing their limits and seeking feedback.

Take concert pianist Lang Lang, who practices up to 8 hours daily. He doesn't just play pieces over and over - he breaks them down, analyzes trouble spots, and gradually increases tempo and...

Welcome to today's episode on the science of practice and mastery. We've all heard the phrase "practice makes perfect," but is it really that simple?

Recent research suggests that deliberate, focused practice is indeed crucial for skill development. A 2023 study published in Nature Neuroscience found that "overlearning" - practicing beyond the point of initial mastery - can lock in skills more effectively. This supports the idea that consistent, purposeful practice is key to long-term improvement.

But what does effective practice look like? We spoke with Dr. Angela Duckworth, author of "Grit" and expert on achievement. She...