The magic of repetition – why perseverance counts

Take a deep breath and keep going. The motto of the 8 of Pentacles is quite clear: “Hang in there! Practice makes perfect.” It’s about working consistently on something. Maybe doing the same thing hundreds of times until you can do it in your sleep. That’s often how it is for me when I’m learning something new. I start with the basics, as you’re supposed to, and then I quickly get bored. So off I go to the higher levels. Three guesses as to what usually happens next. My impatience drives me crazy and failure is inevitable. So back to the beginning, basics, and on we go.

I’m actually learning something new at the moment. Inspired by the wonderful Max (@nail.paint.dude on TikTok), I started painting my nails a while ago. Black, of course. But also a dark green or, like today, with silver stamps, which is pretty cool. Above all, I can make a magical statement with it, and since I don’t want to wear jewelry in the current weather, I have a great protective magic alternative.

But it’s like the 8 of Pentacles card. Finger 1, finger 2, finger 3, fucked up. So reset finger 3 to factory settings and start again. After several weeks of practice, I can now get a pretty clear edge, but only with intense concentration. This may not be the most spiritual example, but I think everyone understands the process.

The problem, however, is sticking with anything new or even with routines. It often takes effort. After my social media break, it’s also really important for me to set aside time for writing. Otherwise, I won’t do it. And we have to be consistent with ourselves. This is where we have the power. It’s not about fighting ourselves or putting ourselves on a leash. It’s about activating our motivation. Being gentle with ourselves is much more powerful than pressure. Do you know that feeling? That inner voice that would rather let you lounge around on the couch than do something on your to-do list. It doesn’t need volume or force. It needs a firm “Sit, stay, and shut up!” Nothing more. Maybe a cookie so it really shuts up, and then we can focus on what we wanted to do.

If we want something, we have to do something for it. We have to want it and take action. Just waiting doesn’t help. And we have to stick with it. Day after day, session after session. Maybe it feels like work. Maybe it’s exhausting, but we want it for ourselves. And that’s the moment of strength. If you do something for yourself, you can do it. Then you can give yourself a nudge, then you can motivate yourself or sometimes even spur yourself on. Remember that no one will give you a trophy for achieving your goal. But you can congratulate yourself, stand on your own podium, and be happy.

Would you like me to write a post about “secret magic”? In other words, ways and means of incorporating magic into jewelry, nail polish, or clothing? The possibilities here are enormous, so if you like, write your request in the comments and I’ll see what I can do with it.

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