Are You Thinking Like A Professional?

Are you thinking like an amateur or a professional? What kind of mindset and thinking differentiates an amateur from a professional. In a blog post in Farnam Street, titled The Difference Between Amateurs and Professionals, I came across this idea. 

The article covers an entire laundry list of differences. I am reproducing below ten of the many differences highlighted in the article. Check for yourself where you stand on these. How much of a professional are you?

1. Amateurs have a goal. Professionals have a process.
2. Amateurs see feedback and coaching as someone criticizing them as a person. Professionals know they have weak spots and seek out thoughtful criticism. (Love this !!)
3. 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?
4. 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.
5. Amateurs don’t have any idea what improves the odds of achieving good outcomes. Professionals do.
6. Amateurs react. Professionals prepare.
7. Amateurs think knowledge is power. Professionals pass on wisdom and advice.
8. Amateurs focus on being right. Professionals focus on getting the best outcome.
9. Amateurs blame others. Professionals accept responsibility.
10. Amateurs think disagreements are threats. Professionals see them as an opportunity to learn.