Amateurs vs. Professionals
The way I see the world, there are two types of people: amateurs and professionals.
Professionals take their work personally. Amateurs are there for the paycheck.
Professionals do the work that needs to be done. Amateurs do their job.
Professionals evaluate evidence and make decisions. Amateurs deliberate and form committees.
Professionals take responsibility. Amateurs blame the weather.
Professionals ship. Amateurs talk.
Professionals ship on time. Amateurs wait to fix a few more bugs.
Professionals make art. Amateurs make stuff.
Professionals push the boundaries and live at the edges. Amateurs make average.
Professionals respectfully disagree and offer alternatives. Amateurs shut ideas down.
Professionals dream. Amateurs stick to the plan.
Professionals listen intently, think, and respond. Amateurs push their own agenda.
Professionals make better. Amateurs make more.
Professionals go deep. Amateurs stay broad.
Professionals move with urgency but not with haste. Amateurs drag and linger.
Professionals automate themselves out. Amateurs cling to job security.
Professionals rest and recover. Amateurs push and burn out.
Professionals show up and get to work. Amateurs wait for inspiration (HT Chuck Close)
The thing is, you’re not just a professional at work.
When you’re picking a place to eat with your friends, when you’re listening to music over dinner, when you’re in the gym, when you’re meditating, when you’re driving to work, when you’re cleaning your house, you can be a professional.
You owe it to yourself. Start acting like a pro.
We need you to.
A bit about me…
I’m Brendan (hey!) and I’m the OEM Hardware Lead at Mosaic Manufacturing where we are building awesome 3D Printing Tech.
In my spare time, you can find me kicking a soccer ball, drinking Americanos, adding to my cookbook collection, and repping Venture for Canada.
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I write here and over at Common Notes.
