I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between amateurs and professionals recently.
Amateurs show up only when they are inspired or want to.
Professionals show up and do the work consistently, usually every single day.
It is possible to be an amateur in one aspect of your life, and a professional in another. Or vice versa.
On the last weekend of every month, I share recommendations to 4 thought-provoking things I read – or in some cases – listened to in the last month.
The theme for this month’s newsletter is Turning Pro, or going from an amateur to a professional mindset.
1. Step 1: Have a Growth Mindset.
Step 2: Buy a book and read it until you get one new idea or lesson. You don’t even need to finish it.
2. Here’s some of the most common psychology myths that we all still believe. Understanding many of these myths like grit and willpower depletion are useful if you want to turn pro.
3. Being an amateur just means that you are below pro level. If you want to become a professional, the biggest thing you can do is eliminate the rookie mistakes.
4. Amateurs overcomplicate everything. Professionals keep it simple.
What are you reading right now? Drop me an email, and let me know. The only thing I love more than reading is getting thoughtful recommendations for what I should read next.
*An earlier version of this post went out to my email subscribers. If you want to get first dibs on what I’m reading and the occasional update (I never send more than 2 emails per month), sign up here.
