Imagine filling a tub with water while the drain is unplugged. You must put the water in faster than it is draining to reach higher levels of water. If you do not; the level will go down.
The same is true of your practice and the drain is time away from your instrument.
All players must spend enough practice time to increase their skill level. The beginning player requires the most consistency. If you practice for one hour day one and skip day two, you will not retain the same ability and will probably be worse day three.
Do not let your time and effort go down the drain; practice everyday, even for a few minutes.
-Justin