Some of us have a challenge staying focused when practicing. At one point, I became very discouraged because I could not seem to practice for any decent length of time. I remember hearing friends say, "I had a really good week of practicing. I practiced three good hours each day." I would think to myself, "How did you do three hours! I get fried after twenty minutes and seem to wander, or start noodling."

I bought a cheap baking timer and started setting up five, ten, and twenty minute practice sessions. What a feeling of relief when, after ten minutes, my little timer would ding. "Saved by the bell," I would say. Soon I was going through my sessions and had the mental energy to go around a second and third time. It was not long before I was spending thirty, forty, or sixty minutes on a topic. I was just doing it in short, rotating power sessions.

I have now taught this "bite-sized power lesson" style of practicing for many years with great success. This technique is not for everyone, as we all learn and work differently. But, if you seem to be wandering instead of focusing, give it a try.