Turning pro involves committing fully to one's passions and leaving behind the amateur mindset.
Professionals have professional habits, set specific goals, and are willing to be hard on themselves.
Identifying and moving away from shadow activities is essential for embracing one's true calling and achieving professional fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Power of Turning Pro
The podcast episode explores the concept of turning pro and the profound impact it can have on one's life. The guest, Steven Pressfield, is a best-selling author known for his books 'The War of Art' and 'Turning Pro'. The conversation delves into the difference between amateurs and professionals and the importance of committing fully to one's passions. Pressfield shares stories and examples of how turning pro has transformed people's lives and emphasizes the need to leave behind the amateur mindset. He discusses the challenges and resistance that arise when pursuing one's true calling and suggests strategies for overcoming them. The episode highlights the significance of aspiration, dedication, and self-actualization in becoming a professional in any field.
Defining Amateurism and Professionalism
The podcast explores the definitions of amateurs and professionals. Amateurs are characterized by their tendency to quit when faced with adversity and their inclination to talk about what they're going to do rather than taking action. In contrast, professionals have professional habits, aspire to achieve specific goals, and are willing to be hard on themselves for the sake of their craft. The conversation highlights the importance of being self-motivated and committed to pursuing one's true calling rather than settling for mediocrity or engaging in shadow activities that are adjacent to one's true interests. The distinction is made between being easy on oneself as an amateur and adopting a more rigorous mindset as a professional.
Recognizing Shadow Activities and Careers
The episode delves into the concept of shadow activities and shadow careers. These are pursuits that are closely related to one's true interests or passions, but are not the real thing. Examples include entertainment lawyers who secretly aspire to be writers or producers, assistants who dream of being musicians or producers themselves, and individuals who develop addictive behaviors as a substitute for pursuing their creative goals. The podcast emphasizes the need to identify and move away from these shadow activities in order to fully embrace one's true calling and achieve professional fulfillment.
Embracing the Professional Mindset
The conversation highlights the mindset and habits of professionals. Professionals are defined by their commitment to their craft, their ability to set goals and pursue them relentlessly, and their willingness to be hard on themselves in order to achieve their aspirations. They have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish and take practical steps to bring it to life. The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions and behavior with their professional identity, avoiding distractions, and embracing a rigorous and focused approach to work. The discussion also touches on the need for vulnerability, taking risks, and breaking away from the expectations and judgments of others.
Navigating the Path from Amateur to Professional
The episode explores the journey from being an amateur to becoming a professional. It highlights the importance of making a clear commitment to the professional path and being willing to invest the necessary time, effort, and resources. The conversation emphasizes the need to overcome resistance, self-doubt, and distractions, and offers guidance on how to navigate challenges and stay focused on one's goals. The podcast also acknowledges that the journey from amateur to professional is unique for each individual and may involve symbolic or physical gestures that signify one's commitment and determination to succeed.
Many people's lives are split into two parts; before and after they Turn Pro. Steven's work has helped millions of people overcome Resistance, find their passion and have the courage to take the leap into an activity they love.
Hopefully by the end of this episode you'll have all the information you need to make your own transition to leave the amateur life behind.
