There is this saying that I have heard over and over again throughout my life, “quality over quantity.” I have stuck by this phrase for years and it is just now that I am starting to see the value in quantity. Pumping out as much of something as possible, not thinking about the end result. It is just for the sake of getting your reps in.

That is precisely why I have created this account. For the sake of getting my reps in, because even sharp swords grow dull when they aren’t used regularly.

1. Instances Where Quality IS King

I am not a die-hard defender of this belief, just a new adopter. Personally, I think that there are a lot of situations where quality is the way to go. I wouldn’t go to a buffet over KBBQ because the quality of the food is just not on the same level, yet both are all you can eat. I wouldn’t watch 20 seasons of a television show when I know that the writers are just throwing anything at the wall to see what viewers latch onto. (Grey’s Anatomy) I would much rather watch a well-made and thought out series that meticulously develops its characters and plotlines. (Breaking Bad)

Quality is and always will be something to strive for in a lot of instances. And it isn’t something we should shy away from just because it is “harder” work. Quality brings us recognition and praise because we earned it. We took the time to craft something of value and it should be rewarded. It is how we stay away from activities and pursuits that seek to waste our time rather than use it to create value. Without quality we would live in a half-baked world, living half-baked lives.

2. When It Isn’t

The problem with trying to make something great every time you set out to “do the thing” is that you get in the way of yourself. I have a strong connection to this feeling because with whatever endeavor I take up the first thing I search up is “Best way to ______” or “How to make the best ______.” My expectations for myself are high and I hold myself to that standard no matter what it is I may be doing. Even if it is my first time trying something I still hear those lingering thoughts in the back of my head.

“Aww man that could’ve been better”

“Oh, is that really the best you could’ve done”

While it is always good to want and expect more of yourself, I think that there is a period of time where you need to allow yourself to learn and get the hang of things. Otherwise, called a learning curve. We see this in all sorts of things, especially skills. Whether it is video games, sports, or writing.

Everything requires some sort of learning curve if you are new to it. You can’t expect to push yourself beyond your limits when you haven’t even found your limit. Just starting means you need to give yourself that warm up time before you start running drills.

There is a lot of value in just practicing the thing that you want to excel at. You have to be able to lay the foundation before you can start building upon it. It is important not to let the pursuit of perfection get in the way of true progress. True progress is oftentimes much better than creating something “perfect.” That is because progress doesn’t stop as long as you are taking the appropriate steps to keep it alive.

3. Quantity + Discipline

Quantity for quantity’s sake is not the answer though. The whole point is to get 1% better every time you try and get better at whatever skill it may be. If you are just phoning it in every time you set out to acquire a skill then maybe that isn’t what you should be devoting all your time to. Chances are there’s something else out there that would interest you more.

Once we find something that we are truly interested in, the idea of getting better at it stays fruitful. And it is just the discipline part that we need to master at that point. Discipline is the glue that keeps your goals and your actions connected. Without discipline, you will inevitably hit a day where you don’t feel like showing up for yourself.

This is when your progress starts to revert and if you continue to not show up for yourself then you’ll be back at square one. There is no one else out there that will be accountable for growing your skills other than you. You are the coach and the athlete.

Make the plan and stick to it. Show up for yourself everyday and get your reps in. Progress will follow.