"ليس الأمر متعلقًا بعدد الساعات التي تمارس فيها، بل بعدد الساعات التي يكون عقلك حاضرًا خلال الممارسة."

Think about the last time you tried to learn something new. Maybe it was a musical instrument, like the guitar, or perhaps it was a new language. You spent hours, right? But here's the kicker: it's not just the time you put in that counts. It's how engaged and focused you are during that time. That's the real game-changer.

The core idea here is simple but profound. It’s not the sheer quantity of hours you spend practicing that makes you better at something. It’s the quality of those hours. Are you mentally present? Are you truly focused? That’s what brings about meaningful improvement.

Let’s put this concept in historical context. This kind of wisdom isn't new; it’s something that great minds and successful individuals have understood for ages. Think about Bruce Lee, the legendary martial artist. He was known for his incredibly disciplined practice routines. But it wasn't just that he practiced a lot—he practiced with intense focus. Every punch, every kick, he was fully there. His mind and body were in sync. It’s not surprising that he’s still revered today.

Let's get into a real-life example. Imagine you're learning to play the piano. You could spend five hours a day, mindlessly going through the motions, hands moving over the keys while your mind wanders off to what’s for dinner or that new show you're binge-watching. On the other hand, if you spend just one hour fully immersed in your practice, concentrating on the notes, the rhythms, the emotions behind the music, you’ll improve much faster. You’ll understand the piece on a deeper level.

So how can you apply this wisdom? First, eliminate distractions. Put your phone away, find a quiet space, and set a clear intention for what you want to achieve in your practice session. Break down what you’re working on into smaller, manageable pieces. Instead of aiming to practice for a set number of hours, focus on the quality of your practice. Notice when your mind starts to drift and gently bring it back to the task at hand. It’s all about mindfulness.

Let me share a story to bring this home. My friend Jane decided to take up painting during the pandemic. At first, she was all about the hours—she set a rigid schedule, painting for three hours each evening. But she was often distracted, checking her phone, thinking about work, and worrying about the future. After a few weeks, she was frustrated with her lack of progress and ready to give up. Then, she had a bit of an epiphany. Instead of focusing on the clock, she began focusing on the painting itself. She started with short, undistracted bursts of 30 minutes, where she was completely present. She noticed the colors more vividly, felt the brushstrokes more deeply. Her improvement was rapid, and her enjoyment of painting soared.

So next time you're working on mastering something, remember: it’s about being present. Engage fully with what you're doing. You’ll not only get better, but you’ll also find more joy in the process. And who knows, maybe you’ll end up surprising yourself with how much you can achieve when your mind is right there with you.