Professional or Amateur

Not long ago I was visiting with Eric Swanson, Leadership Network's Externally Focused guru.

As a part of the conversation, he made a contrast between amateurs and professionals that I thought was brilliant.

He said, "The difference between amateurs and professionals is this: amateurs work until they get it right. Pros work until they can't get it wrong."

Amateurs practice until it's enjoyable. Pros practice until it's worth something.

Whatever you're doing today, know whether you're expected to be an amateur or a professional. It changes things.