Precisely: What I was Thinking

     At this point, we are really starting to dig into the topic of precision. Previously, after going over the general learning process, I made an attempt to show the connection between it and chaos/order (see "Where Chaos Meets Learning" and "Where Learning Meets Order").  My last post began to look at precision by considering Masters of various trades. The reason for showing those examples was to demonstrate the following point: Mastery of any skill is measured by the level of precision one has over the variables relating to that skill.

     Each of the previously mentioned masters (see "Pondering the Particularities of Precision")  had a unique set of variables that they had to take into consideration in order to perform as precisely as possible. For the painter the variables consisted of color mixing, perspective, layout, lighting techniques, brush techniques, a visual knowledge of everything to be painted and more. The master chef's variables looked like types of food and their flavors, spices, slicing techniques, cook times, style, texture, and presentation among other things. Thirdly, the martial artists had to be mindful  of variables such as body control and balance, speed, flow, and the sequence of their katas and more. It should be mentioned that these are just a few of the many variables each of the respective masters would consider while working their craft.
   
     So then, if masters embody precision, what does the learning process look like on the other end of the spectrum? Taking a look at the characteristics of beginners could be helpful to more thoroughly understand the topic still.

     After that build up, it is probably no surprise to hear that beginners of any skill are usually NOT precise. Imagine a person trying out roller skating for the first time. As they stand, their legs might wobble. Their arms out, grasping for balance, legs kicking out as they fight to keep the skates under their legs. Without any experience, beginners are generally oblivious to all the variables. Their overall lack of control makes them look 'clumsy'.

     Taking on a new skill can feel chaotic for a beginner. When they step out onto the rink, they have never seen the floor from this perspective. Everyone is moving so fast. While they are trying to figure out how to move themselves without feeling so shaky, everyone is zipping past. It is impossible to anticipate where anyone else is going so they may just hold onto the edge for stability. The variables are everywhere and consist of things like their own balance and momentum, figuring out how to build speed and stop, and even the general flow of the crowd. While there is definately a method to all the madness, beginners feel lost in the disarray.

     Another thing, most beginners focus much of their attention on how they appear to everyone else. It is not 'cool' to be stumbling around the rink with one hand on the wall. What's 'cool' is to be gliding between everyone, alternating between forward or backward while making it look effortless all the while. Focusing on how they are perceived by others means they are NOT focused on skating nicely around the rink. Their attention is split, one part thinking about skating, one part worrying about what everyone else thinks. To do something as precisely as possible, the practitioner must focus their awareness completely on what they are doing.

     In summary, masters embody precision. Beginners then embody clumsiness. What allows masters to act precisely is an awareness of the variables within a given activity, knowledge of how the variables interrelate, and an internalized feel for the action based on practice and experience. For many reasons, beginners are unaware of the majority of variables. Experience reveals the subtleties of an activity over time. However being aware of the variables does not yield precision by itself. While performing an activity, one must completely concentrate their awareness on what they are doing or they will likely overlook some of the variables, resulting in 'clumsiness'.