Are You Thinking Like A Professional?
March 7, 2022

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?
- Amateurs have a goal. Professionals have a process.
- 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 !!)
- 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 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 blame others. Professionals accept responsibility.
- Amateurs think disagreements are threats. Professionals see them as an opportunity to learn.