Amateurs stop when they achieve something. Professionals understand that the initial achievement is just the beginning.
Amateurs have a goal. Professionals have a process.
Amateurs think they are good at everything. Professionals understand the scope and extent of their competence.
Amateurs see feedback and coaching as someone criticizing them as a person. Professionals know they have weak spots and welcome thoughtful criticism.
Amateurs value isolated performance. Professionals value consistency in performance.
Amateurs give up at the first sign of trouble and assume they’re failures. Professionals are lifelong learners and see failure as part of the path to growth and mastery.
Amateurs don’t have any idea what improves the odds of achieving good outcomes. Professionals do.
Amateurs show up to practice to have fun. Professionals realize that what happens in practice happens in real life.
Amateurs focus on identifying their weaknesses and improving them. Professionals focus on their strengths and on finding people who are strong where they are weak.
Amateurs react. Professionals prepare.
Amateurs think knowledge is power. Professionals pass on wisdom and advice.
Amateurs focus on being right. Professionals focus on getting the best outcome.
Amateurs think good outcomes are the result of their brilliance. Professionals understand when good outcomes are the result of intentional work, and sometimes, luck.
Amateurs focus on the short term. Professionals focus on the long term
Amateurs tend to tear other people down due to their insecurities. Professionals focus on making everyone better.
Amateurs make decisions in committees so there is no one person responsible if things go wrong. Professionals make decisions as individuals and accept responsibility.
