Persist through consistent effort. Growth comes through repetition.
Abhyasa is persistent, dedicated practice—the principle that genuine mastery comes through sustained repetition over time. When Arjuna worries that controlling the restless mind seems impossible, Krishna reassures him that through abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (detachment), even the wandering mind can be trained (6.35). There are no shortcuts to excellence; abhyasa is the path of patient, consistent effort.
Application in Leadership
Leaders develop skills and wisdom through persistent, deliberate practice over time.
Practical Application
Choose practices that matter and commit to them daily, even briefly. Track your consistency rather than perfection—a 5-minute daily practice beats sporadic hours. Schedule practice as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. When you miss a day, simply resume without self-criticism. Build practice chains—link new habits to existing ones. Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation. Remember that visible improvement often comes long after consistent practice begins; trust the process.
Common Misconceptions
Abhyasa is not mindless repetition. Effective practice involves attention, reflection, and gradual refinement. It's also not about rigid routines that ignore life's realities—sustainable practice adapts to circumstances while maintaining consistency. Practice isn't punishment; find ways to make it engaging. Finally, quantity alone doesn't guarantee quality—practice deliberately, not just repeatedly.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I maintain practice when motivation fades?
Don't rely on motivation—it's unreliable. Instead, build systems: practice at the same time each day, create environmental triggers, make the practice easy to start. Reduce the commitment to something too small to fail—even two minutes counts. Track your streak and protect it. Find accountability through partners or communities. When you truly don't feel like practicing, commit to just beginning—often momentum carries you through. Remember your deeper purpose; reconnect with why this practice matters.