The Power of Repetition: Why Familiarity Breeds Success
When we think about achieving success, we often picture a dynamic and groundbreaking plan. This plan must have the potential to be widely adopted and deliver quick results, right? Wrong. As it turns out, sometimes the key to success lies in a simple and often overlooked tool- repetition.
What is Repetition?
Repetition simply refers to the act of doing or saying things over and over again. Whether it is in the form of daily affirmations, consistent exercise routine, or simply repeating a new skill till it becomes second nature, repeating things can help us become more comfortable, faster and more efficient. It does not matter what you are repeating, scientific evidence suggests that repetition is crucial to achieving success in any given field.
How Does Repetition Breed Success?
1. Improved retention of skills and knowledge
The more we repeat something, the more it gets ingrained into our memory. It’s like learning to ride a bike. When we first learn, we might struggle with balancing, steering, pedaling and using the brakes all at the same time. However, after some time, the movements become more natural, automatic, and require less conscious attention. Repetition helps create strong neural connections that improve our retention of skills and knowledge.
2. Increased confidence
When we repeat something, we no longer feel anxious or self-conscious about it. Repetition ensures that we become familiar with something, and familiarity breeds confidence. This confidence enables us to take on greater challenges, explore deeper into our capabilities, and push ourselves even harder.
3. Greater efficiency and speed
Repetition makes us faster and more efficient. The more we repeat something, the faster and more efficient we become. For instance, an experienced pianist can play a difficult piano piece with ease, without even glancing at the sheet music. This happens because the pianist has practiced and repeated the piece many times, and his muscle memory is incredibly sharp.
Examples of Repetition in Action
1. Wallace Wattles and “The Science of Getting Rich”
Wallace D. Wattles was a motivational writer and one of the pioneers of the self-help genre. In his book, “The Science of Getting Rich”, Wattles repeatedly emphasizes the importance of repetition. He states that by repeating affirmations like “I am rich, I am successful” several times a day, we can program our mind to attract abundance and success in our lives.
2. Nike’s “Just Do It”
Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign is an exceptional exemplification of the power of repetition. The slogan is simple and concise, yet it has been repeated over and over again in Nike’s advertising campaigns over the years. As a result, it has become one of the most recognisable and iconic slogans in the world of advertising.
Conclusion
The power of repetition is undeniable. It improves our retention of skills and knowledge, breeds confidence, and makes us faster and more efficient. Repeating things might seem dull and mundane, but it is crucial to achieving success in any given field. Therefore, the next time you’re wondering how to achieve success, do not overlook the power of repetition.
