Start With the Hard Part

If you want to make more progress when mastering a difficult process, game, or activity, consider practicing the hardest part first. There may be a step in a series of actions that is the most difficult. Work to master that step.

Musicians do this by selecting the hardest section in a score and practicing it until it is perfect. Then, they put the pieces together. Athletes do this when practicing difficult chips, reverse layups, lateral passes, vaults and dismounts. They tackle and master the hard part. Then, they execute the routine in its entirety. 

Leaders can become more masterful when tackling the hardest problems, toughest critics, most difficult decisions and most complex analyses. By breaking processes into a series of steps and practicing the hardest steps first, leaders make more progress more quickly.