I have long believed that if a student of virtually any discipline could avoid ever repeating the same mistake twice—both technical and psychological—he or she would skyrocket to the top of their field. Of course such a feat is impossible—we are bound to repeat thematic errors, if only because many themes are elusive and difficult to pinpoint.
Mistakes are inevitable—but noticing them and avoiding them are two different things. Make the minor mistakes, while avoiding the big thematic ones by studying others. In ways, a mistake in chess or tai chi is a minor one. Make it early and learn the lesson to fluency. Play better next time. Avoid fundamental mistakes by learning what to do and to avoid to fluency before getting into anything else.
