Embracing the Grind: Making Dance Practice a Priority

Hey everyone!

This week, we made a conscious decision to prioritize our dance practice, diving headfirst into the material from our last lesson. Picking up where we left off and dissecting things piece by piece isn’t always fun and can sometimes create frustrations and friction. It’s common to want to get things right as soon as possible and continue moving, but I firmly believe that taking it slow is extremely important. "Practice slow, improve fast" should be a quote by me!

With a mix of our kids around during our practice sessions, confined in a small gym room, frustration visited us more than a few times. It’s a challenge to keep focus and patience intact when there are so many distractions, but these moments remind us of the joy and freedom we feel when we can fully spread our wings on the dance floor. I can’t wait until we have our own dance space to share that feeling with everyone around us.

However, dance practice wasn’t the only area where frustration crept in this week. Strength training and running felt unsatisfying at times, and I found myself struggling with motivation. It was a real challenge to find the drive to get going, but I pushed through because I know how much better it feels once the workout is done.

Even when your body is tired, and you don’t have much time, it’s important to show up and give it the energy and time you have. It’s these consistent efforts, even on the tough days, that lead to progress. When results start knocking on your door, you’ll be glad you didn’t give up.

The Importance of Patience in Practice

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from dance practice is the importance of patience. There’s always a temptation to rush through, to master steps quickly and move on. But true improvement comes from taking it slow, breaking down each movement, and understanding it deeply.

During our practice sessions, even amidst the chaos of kids and limited space, we focused on this slow and deliberate approach. It wasn’t always easy, and it wasn’t always fun, but it was necessary. Every time we felt like giving up, we reminded ourselves of the bigger picture – the joy of dancing freely and confidently.

Overcoming Frustration in Fitness

Strength training and running have been equally challenging this week. There were days when I had to dig deep to find the motivation to start. But I kept reminding myself of the post-workout high – the sense of accomplishment and the endorphin rush that follows.

Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part. Once you begin, the momentum builds, and it gets easier. It’s important to listen to your body, but also to push through the mental barriers that hold you back. Remember, even a short, less intense workout is better than no workout at all.

The Reward of Consistency

The biggest takeaway from this week has been the value of consistency. Whether it’s dance, strength training, or running, showing up regularly is what leads to progress. It’s not about being perfect every time, but about making a consistent effort. Over time, these small efforts compound, leading to significant improvements.

So, if you’re feeling frustrated or unmotivated, remember that it’s okay. It’s part of the journey. The key is to keep going, even when it’s tough. Give it the energy and time you have, and trust that the results will come.

Until next time, keep practicing, stay patient, and embrace the grind. The rewards are worth it.

Warmly,

Natalia