Building Your Practice Space

Dust Yourself Off and Try Again

There’s something magical about practice. It’s how you get to your first 10,000 hours of mastery—and how you keep going for the next 10,000, and the next. Practice is more than just repetition. It’s a mindset, a commitment to consistently showing up and saying, “Let’s try this again.”

I’ve always loved practice because I know it makes me better. Whether it was in my early days of studying communication or now, leading workshops and speaking on stages, the rhythm of practicing—dusting myself off, trying again, and improving each time—has been the key to every breakthrough.

But I also know practice isn’t easy. In the real world, the stakes feel high, especially with something like communication. Where do you go to try new things, test ideas, and get better without the fear of failure looming over you? That’s where having a practice space—a safe, supportive environment to grow—makes all the difference.

Why Communication Practice Matters

Communication skills are some of the most important tools in your professional toolkit, but they’re also some of the scariest to develop. Whether you’re pitching an idea, sharing your story, or networking at a big event, the stakes can feel impossibly high.

The truth is, nobody nails it the first time. Or the fifth. Or even the fiftieth. Communication is a skill you have to practice, but finding the right space to do that can be a challenge. You can’t walk into a networking event and hope it’s the right time to “figure things out.” You need a space to fumble, laugh, learn, and try again—a place where the stakes are low, and the growth is real.

Finding (or Creating) Your Practice Space

For me, building a practice space has always been about people. I’ve been lucky enough to have professional friends and peers I can turn to, test ideas with, and learn alongside. These are the people who’ll tell me what’s working, what’s not, and cheer me on through the process.

But not everyone has that built-in network. That’s why finding or creating a practice space is so important. Here’s how you can start:

• Professional Associations: These groups are a treasure trove of connection and support. I’ve found incredible value in the Association for Talent Development and my local Florida Public Relations Association chapter. Whatever your field, there’s likely an organization filled with people eager to grow alongside you.
• Workshops and Groups: Look for opportunities to engage with others in a hands-on environment. The best practice spaces are interactive and encourage experimentation.
• Create Your Own Space: Can’t find the right group? Start one! A small, consistent meetup with like-minded peers can be the perfect environment to try out new skills, share feedback, and grow together.

The Joy of Practice: Learning to Laugh at Yourself

Growth is never linear, and it’s definitely not perfect. You’re going to make mistakes—sometimes big, cringy ones—but that’s the beauty of practice. It’s a space where you can laugh at yourself, learn from the flops, and keep going.
The secret to enjoying practice is adopting a beginner’s mindset. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for progress. Every time you fumble your introduction or botch a story, you’re getting better. It’s not failure—it’s data.

I remind myself of this all the time: Growth is awkward, but if you can laugh at the awkwardness, you’ll find the joy in it. And that joy is what keeps you showing up, trying again, and improving every time.

OK, Let’s Play: Build Your Practice Space

You don’t need a fancy setup or a perfect plan to start practicing. You just need to take the first step.

Ready: Decide that growth is worth the effort and that practice is where it begins.

Set: Commit to finding or creating a space where you can try, fail, and learn with others.

Go:

• Find Your People: Join a professional association, attend workshops, or start a small group with trusted peers.
• Show Up Consistently: Make practice a regular part of your week or month. Consistency is the key to growth.
  
• Try New Things: Use your practice space to experiment with storytelling, networking, or any skill you want to improve.
  
• Laugh and Learn: Embrace the flops and celebrate the small wins. It’s all part of the process.
  
  

Practice Is the Path to Mastery

The magic of practice is in its ripple effect. When you commit to showing up and trying again, you’re not just improving your skills—you’re transforming yourself. You become someone who takes action, learns from mistakes, and keeps going when things get tough.

That’s why I’ve created a new practice space—Tuesday nights at 6:30—for professionals who want to grow their communication and connection skills in a safe, supportive environment. If this sounds like what you need, I’d love for you to join us.

Because practice isn’t just something you do to get better. It’s the key to unlocking your full potential. So, dust yourself off and try again. Let’s build something amazing together.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!