Turning Pro

1. Turn Pro: Leave Amateur Life Behind and Embrace Your Calling

Turning pro is free, but it's not easy. You don't need to take a course or buy a product. All you have to do is change your mind.

Embrace your true calling. Turning pro means acknowledging and pursuing your authentic passion, whether it's writing, art, entrepreneurship, or any other field. It requires leaving behind the safety of amateur pursuits and shadow careers that merely serve as distractions from your true purpose.

Overcome internal resistance. The shift from amateur to professional is primarily mental. It involves confronting your fears, self-doubt, and the comfort of familiar habits. This transformation often comes after hitting rock bottom or experiencing a profound epiphany that forces you to reevaluate your life choices.

Signs you're still an amateur:

• Constantly seeking validation from others
• Easily distracted and prone to procrastination
• Afraid of failure and rejection
• Living in the past or future, rather than the present

2. Confront Your Fears and Overcome Resistance

Resistance is diabolical. It can harness our drive for greatness and our instinct for professionalism and yoke them, instead, to a shadow profession, whose demands will keep us from turning our energies toward their true course.

Identify and face your fears. Resistance manifests as fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and addiction. It's the force that prevents you from pursuing your true calling. Recognizing these forms of resistance is the first step in overcoming them.

Take consistent action. The professional understands that resistance is a daily battle. They commit to showing up every day, regardless of mood or circumstances. This consistent effort gradually weakens resistance's hold and builds momentum towards your goals.

Common forms of resistance:

• Perfectionism
• Self-sabotage
• Addiction to distractions (social media, entertainment)
• Imposter syndrome
• Fear of success or failure

3. Develop a Professional Mindset and Habits

The difference between an amateur and a professional is in their habits. An amateur has amateur habits. A professional has professional habits.

Cultivate discipline. Professionals develop routines and habits that support their work. They show up every day, stay focused, and commit to the long haul. They understand that consistency and perseverance are key to success.

Embrace accountability. Professionals take responsibility for their work and their progress. They don't make excuses or blame others for their failures. Instead, they learn from their mistakes and continually strive to improve their craft.

Professional habits to develop:

• Showing up daily, regardless of inspiration
• Setting clear goals and deadlines
• Continual learning and skill improvement
• Seeking constructive criticism and feedback
• Managing time effectively

4. Create a Sacred Space and Time for Your Practice

A practice has a space, and that space is sacred.

Designate a dedicated workspace. Create a physical environment that supports your work and signals to your mind that it's time to focus. This space should be free from distractions and filled with the tools you need to practice your craft.

Establish a routine. Set aside specific times for your work and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. This consistency helps build momentum and trains your mind to enter a creative state more easily.

Elements of a sacred creative space:

• Minimal distractions
• Necessary tools and resources readily available
• Comfortable and conducive to focus
• Personalized to inspire and motivate

5. Trust the Creative Process and Work with Intention

The professional trusts the mystery. He knows that the Muse always delivers.

Embrace uncertainty. Accept that creative work often involves venturing into the unknown. Trust that your subconscious mind and accumulated experience will guide you, even when you're not sure where the work is leading.

Focus on the process, not the outcome. Concentrate on doing the work itself rather than fixating on results or external validation. This mindset allows you to stay present and fully engage with your craft.

Ways to cultivate trust in the creative process:

• Practice free writing or brainstorming without judgment
• Experiment with new techniques or approaches
• Allow for "bad" first drafts
• Celebrate small victories and progress

6. Embrace Discomfort and Play Hurt

Athletes play hurt. Warriors fight scared. The professional takes two aspirin and keeps on truckin'.

Push through resistance. Professionals understand that discomfort is part of the creative process. They don't wait for perfect conditions or inspiration to strike. Instead, they show up and do the work, even when it's difficult or painful.

Develop resilience. Learn to bounce back from setbacks, criticism, and failure. View these challenges as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to give up. The ability to persevere in the face of adversity is what separates professionals from amateurs.

Strategies for building resilience:

• Reframe failures as learning experiences
• Set realistic expectations and celebrate small wins
• Develop a support network of fellow professionals
• Practice self-compassion and avoid negative self-talk

7. Seek Continuous Growth and Lifelong Learning

We come to a practice as students.

Cultivate humility. Recognize that there is always more to learn, regardless of your level of expertise. Approach your craft with curiosity and openness to new ideas and perspectives.

Invest in skill development. Continuously work to improve your craft through study, practice, and seeking feedback from others. The professional understands that mastery is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

Ways to foster continuous growth:

• Read widely in your field and related disciplines
• Attend workshops, conferences, or classes
• Seek mentorship or join a community of peers
• Regularly challenge yourself with new projects or techniques
• Reflect on your progress and set new learning goals

Last updated: September 28, 2024