I have learned in almost 19 years of Aikido practice that awareness is really the key to getting better at just about anything. I see it in lower-ranked students the first time they catch themselves in bad posture and make the correction, rather than needing to be guided. I feel it in myself in the same way, even if the “mistakes” are usually more subtle. I catch those mistakes because of years of building awareness. My teacher, with 40+ years of practice, has still finer awareness than me.

It is amazing that there’s so much advice out in the world for Game Masters. A lot of it is really good advice. One must be open to new ideas for prepping, running, and even thinking about one’s game.

But there is just no substitute for practice, and I’ll add to that – awareness.

I think I’m a better GM than I’ve ever been. When I came back to gaming in 2014 I expressed my amazement to my friend William at just how great his D&D setting and game mastering was. He responded that he’s spent the last 10 years (or whatever number of years he said) immersed in gaming, taking in new ideas and playing and just really thinking about it.

Being part of a group of thoughtful gamers and game masters helps build awareness. Sometimes it feels insane how much thought I put into this hobby, but you don’t get better at things by dabbling in them. I took William’s comments to heart, and I’ve immersed myself in the hobby, and that has paid off.

I’m not saying I’m an amazing GM. I’m saying I’m better than I’ve ever been and I credit two things for that.

• Practice. You can’t read, listen, or watch your way to improving as a GM. You have to actively GM
• Putting real effort into learning, through association with other people who want to improve, which builds awareness of the little victories and mistakes