# 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.

| # | Criterion | What "meets it" looks like |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | | |
| 2 | | |
| 3 | | |
| 4 | | |

## 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

```text
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:

```text
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

| Session | Subskill | Best self-score | What limited the score | Next focus |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | | | | |
| 2 | | | | |
| 3 | | | | |
| 4 | | | | |

## 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.