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Doing more practice but not getting better

Situation

  • You have increased the amount of practice or effort
  • Sessions are longer or more frequent than before
  • Results have not improved in proportion to the effort
  • You assume progress will come if you push harder
  • You feel tired but not more capable

This situation appears when volume replaces precision.

Verdict

VERDICT: STOP

Doing more of the same will not lead to improvement. Increased volume is reinforcing the same limitations.

Why this verdict

  • Practice is expanding without addressing specific deficiencies
  • More time is being spent on what you already know
  • Effort is not being converted into targeted correction

Volume amplifies whatever method is being used — including ineffective ones.

What happens if you continue

  • Fatigue will increase faster than skill
  • Motivation will decline as returns diminish
  • You may mistake exhaustion for commitment

This often leads to quitting rather than improvement.

A safer next step

Stop increasing volume.

Reduce and refocus: - Cut practice time in half - Isolate the weakest component - Practice only that component with feedback

Less practice with precision is safer than more practice without direction.