Phase 1: Imitation Phase 1 is imitation. It is much easier to start by imitating, because imitation gives us a model, a set of instructions or a clear destination. Imitation provides safety, certainty, and clear boundaries. We need imitation. It is not something we have to overcome. Imitation helps us get familiar and confident by practicing an action or behavior.
Phase 2: Variation Phase 2 is variation. As we practice we start to vary what we learned. We may alter what we imitate because we like the way it looks better. We are better at a particular aspect of the imitated behavior. We find a variation more interesting. Variation allows us to take risks, to go off script, to experiment, to tinker.
Phase 3: Expression Phase 3 is expression. As we gain confidence in our practice, we trust our own judgment. We do not need as much external validation. We make our own decisions about how to use our skills. We can adjust and fine-tune what we do to suit our situation and preferences. Expression is when we make our practice our own. We personalize it, customize it, nuance it.
Phase 3, expression, is also the source of our motivation. We are more motivated when we are making our practice our own. We are more motivated when we feel like our actions are expressing who we are. When we are expressing ourselves, we are not merely repeating the same motions over and over again. When we express ourselves we feel like we are practicing on purpose. When we are practicing on purpose, we feel like we are making progress and moving closer to our values. When we feel like we are moving closer to our values, we feel like we are moving closer to our ideal self. When we feel like we are moving closer to our ideal self, we feel motivated.
Phase 4: Your Learning Voice Phase 4 is your learning voice. Your learning voice is when your practice is fully you. Your learning voice is the culmination of imitation, variation, and expression. Your learning voice is when you have fully customized your skills. Your learning voice is when you have fully adapted your skills to your needs and purposes. Your learning voice is when your skills have become your unique way of communicating. Your learning voice is when your skills have become your unique way of creating. Your learning voice is when your skills have become your unique way of solving problems. When you develop your learning voice, you feel more confident. When you develop your learning voice, you feel more unique. When you develop your learning voice, you feel more committed. When you develop your learning voice, you feel more engaged. When you develop your learning voice, you feel more expressive. When you develop your learning voice, you feel more like you.