I received the following from a recent workshop student of mine and thought it was a really great thing to share. It clearly fits with all things and in all walks of life. My thanks to Richard Winston for passing along this information.

What’s the Difference: Amateurs vs. Professionals

Why is it that some people seem to be hugely successful and do so much, while the vast majority of us struggle to tread water? The answer is complicated and likely multifaceted. One aspect is mindset—specifically, the difference between amateurs and professionals. Most of us are just amateurs. What’s the difference? Actually, there are many differences:

· 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 their circles of competence.

· Amateurs see feedback and coaching as someone criticizing them as a person. Professionals know they have weak spots and seek out thoughtful criticism.

· Amateurs value isolated performance. Think about the receiver who catches the ball once on a difficult throw. Professionals value consistency. Can I catch the ball in the same situation 9 times out of 10?

· Amateurs give up at the first sign of trouble and assume they’re failures. Professionals 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 games.

· 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 think knowledge is power. Professionals pass on wisdom and advice.

· Amateurs focus on being right. Professionals focus on getting the best outcome.

· Amateurs focus on first-level thinking. Professionals focus on second-level thinking.

· Amateurs think good outcomes are the result of their brilliance. Professionals understand when outcomes are the result of luck.

· Amateurs focus on the short term. Professionals focus on the long term.

· Amateurs focus on tearing other people down. 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.

· Amateurs blame others. Professionals accept responsibility.

· Amateurs show up inconsistently. Professionals show up every day.