Between an amateur and a professional

“You have to act professionally.”

“You should show professionalism.”

“You are no longer a beginner, you are no longer an amateur. You are a professional now…”

I have heard these words all my life. I have even used the same words for my children who are all grown up now and I am delighted to see that all three  of them are professionals in their chosen field.

From the popular website Farnam Street, this material tells us the difference between an amateur and a professional:

• 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 nine 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. (Though I would rather believe that professionals know that outcomes are results of effort.)

• 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.

• Amateurs go faster. Professionals go further.

• Amateurs go with the first idea that comes into their head. Professionals realize the first idea is rarely the best idea.

• Amateurs think in ways that can’t be invalidated. Professionals don’t.

• Amateurs think in absolutes. Professionals think in probabilities.

• There are a host of other differences, but they can effectively be boiled down to two things: fear and reality. Amateurs believe the world should work the way they want it to. Professionals realize they have to work with the world as they find it.

• Amateurs are scared — scared to be vulnerable and honest with themselves. Professionals feel like they are capable of handling almost anything.

This is great stuff! Great source for learning too. So based on the list presented, would you like to take the time and assess yourself and find out where you stand?

(Experience two inspiring days with Francis Kong learning leadership and life skills in his widely acclaimed Level Up Leadership April 18-19 at Seda Hotel, BGC. For further inquiries contact April at +63928-559-1798 or register online at www.levelupleadership.ph)