Earlier this week, our CEO, Rich Weidel sent me a list of differences between what makes someone an amateur versus what makes someone a professional. He said, “Matt why is it that some people seem to be so hugely successful and do so much, while the vast majority of us struggle to tread water?”
Right off the bat I said… “Woah. Rich it’s 8:15am on a Monday… this is a heavy topic to dive into.” But then… as I read through what he’d sent me… I started to realize that it’s easier than you’d think to place yourself into the amateur bucket and it’s not because you want to be branded as an amateur. Nobody wants that. However, as humans were wired to be selfish and think about our well-being first, (it’s true… it’s nature… c’mon) as a result we are automatically branded as amateurs. It’s not until you rewire your mindset that you find this out… because the first and most important difference between an amateur and a professional is mindset.
Growing up, my older brother used to tell me that the easiest thing to do in life is quit. That it literally takes no effort and even though life will throw the kitchen sink at you… you have to keep moving forward. Quitting is easy. Trying is hard. That’s the first difference between an amateur and being a professional… let’s take a look at a few more differences:
Amateurs tear other people down to build themselves up. Pros focus on making everyone better.
Amateurs stop when they achieve something. Pros understand that the initial achievement is just the beginning.
Amateurs practice as much as they have to. Pros never stop improving.
Amateurs think disagreements are threats. Pros see them as an opportunity to learn.
Amateurs make decisions in committees so there is no one person responsible if things go wrong. Pros make decisions as individuals and accept responsibility.
Amateurs see feedback and coaching as someone criticizing them as a person. Pros know they have weak spots and seek out thoughtful criticism.
Amateurs want to be noticed. Pros want to be remembered.
Amateurs leap for their dreams. Pros build a bridge.
Amateurs fear failure. Pros crave it.
Amateurs focus on identifying their weaknesses and improving them. Pros focus on their strengths and on finding people who are strong where they are weak.
Amateurs think knowledge is power and fail to pass it on. Pros pass on wisdom and advice that was once provided to them.
Amateurs show up inconsistently. Pros show up every single day.
So… what are you?
Talk to you soon!
MJ
The opinions expressed in this post are the sole view of the writer and do not reflect the opinion of Princeton Mortgage Corporation.
Photo by Joshua Jordan on Unsplash