Deliberate Practice Loop

One subskill per loop. Run the loop several times before moving to the next subskill.

1. Define The Subskill

Narrow it until it is boring. “Get better at writing” is not a subskill. “Open a cold email with one sentence that is specific to the recipient, not generic” is.

• Subskill:
• Why this one, right now (what’s the actual gap):
• What a strong version looks like:

2. Build The Rubric Before You Attempt

Three to five criteria, written so someone else could apply them.

3. Attempt (No Peeking)

• Time box:
• Attempt 1 — write or do it now, without asking AI for help mid-attempt.
• Self-score against the rubric before requesting feedback:

4. Request Feedback — Attempt-First Prompt

I am practicing [subskill]. Here is my rubric: [paste rubric].

Here is my attempt: [paste attempt].

Score it against each rubric criterion with a short reason.
Point to the weakest specific line or moment, not a general impression.
Do not rewrite my attempt or show me a model answer yet.
Ask me one question that would help me improve it myself first.

5. Retry Before Seeing A Model Answer

• Attempt 2, informed by the feedback, still your own work:
• Self-score again:
• What changed between attempt 1 and attempt 2:

Repeat attempt 3 if time allows. Only after at least one retry, ask for a model answer:

Now show me one strong model example for [subskill], matching the same rubric.
Point out specifically what it does that my attempt 2 does not, referencing the rubric.
Do not claim this is the only correct approach.

6. Log Progress

Boundary

This loop is for skills with observable output you can judge against a rubric — writing, analysis, language practice, structured argument, code review. For skills where a mistake is physically dangerous or where technique must be corrected in real time (driving, operating equipment, medical procedures, most physical sports and instruments), use a qualified human instructor; a model cannot see or correct your form.