I've noticed this effect when learning to play a game. In order to improve, one must practice a skill, but one cannot do so if they don't have an idea of what a

I've noticed this effect when learning to play a game. In order to improve, one must practice a skill, but one cannot do so if they don't have an idea of what a better way to execute that skill is. Therefore, a certain amount of theorizing is required, otherwise one ends up just mindlessly playing and their skill stagnates. This is part of why some people with 10 years of experience actually only have 1 year of experience, repeated 10 times. The converse is also true of course, if all one does is theorize without practicing, then not only is the theory not being worked into a skill, but at some point the theorizing will be based only on prior theorizing instead of experience, which invariably results in incorrect theories. The optimal loop seems to be: 1. Pick a desired skill to improve at 2. Analyze the way you're doing it right now and figure out a better way. This is the trickiest step, if unable to self-analyze look for guidance in others. 3. Consciously practice, one skill at a time This applies to every skill in existence, not just games.