Shoshin

Shoshin (初心) is a concept meaning "beginner's mind". It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would.

-Wikipedia

In the 470 fleet it didn't take long to find my "beginner's mind"

At the Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation I coach a wide range of sailors, from Green Fleet novices up through ISAF Youth World representatives.  Without fail, the most successful sailors are the Green Fleet novices.  I say this because the goal of a sailing class is to help sailors improve their skills, and while Race Team members sometimes plateau despite frequent instruction, all the novices need in order for their abilities to sky rocket is a little bit of time on the water - no coach required.

I like to tell sailors that the best racers are the ones who place 2nd in a regatta, and then learn not only from the 1st place boat, but also from the 3rd place boat.  So often, that 3rd place boat places 3rd year after year, preferring to brag about their medal, while the 2nd place boat figures out how to glean something from the 3rd place boat's bragging, and wins the event the following year.

Strive to learn, not to win, and your results will reflect your effort.

Before you next practice, think about what techniques you use to ensure that you focus on process instead of  results.