17 traits of elite professionals
In “The War of Art,” Steven Pressfield writes about the difference between amateurs and professionals. In this context, a professional does not just mean someone who gets paid. It means the highest echelon. The elite. I’ve been fascinated by this concept for years, going back to my time as a college graduate. What’s the thin line that separates an elite pro from everyone else? I’ve synthesized 17 traits of elite professionals from Pressfield’s book, plus my own observations: 1. Professionals are patient The professional understands delayed gratification. Unlike amateurs, they sustain consistent performance over long periods of time. They mentally prepare for the long haul ahead. 2. Professionals create order The professional swiftly and efficiently executes a mission. They cannot do this with their lives in shambles. Disorder creates chaos. Everything has a rightful place. 3. Professionals don’t glamorize The professional focuses on the labor, not the fruit of it. They are not di...