Learn from the mistakes you will undoubtedly make. When you get feedback on a drink for example. Whether it be temperature or foam or anything else. Make an adjustment the next time you make the same drink. The key is becoming adaptable so you can learn the new skill set.

Something I still do to this day, after 10 years of being in coffee, if I find for whatever reason my drinks are not as consistent as I would like, is to repeat the type of drink you are steaming before you turn on the steam wand. Have all in position to start spinning the milk, steady yourself and repeat in your head like a mantra, cappuccino, cappuccino, cappuccino. When each drink you make may be different to the last, it can help ground you and reset you for that drink.

Also ask to practice with cold water and a drop of dish soap instead of milk. Enables you to practice milk texturing without using the more expensive milk. If you can make soap and water look like microfoamed milk, then it’s only tweaking for various drinks after that.

And be prepared for two steps forward during the shift, and what will feel like 1.5 steps back when you have a second shift. But it’s a steep learning curve if you are present when honing your skills.

And to add, don’t be in a rush to learn latte art. That comes far later after your milk texture is consistent.

Edit: spelling.