- shows up every day
- stays on the job all day
- commits to the long haul
- sets the stakes high, sees they’re real
- is patient
- seeks order
- demystifies
- acts in the face of fear
- accepts no excuses
- plays it as it lays
- is prepared
- doesn’t show off
- masters technique
- asks for help
- doesn’t take failure — or success — personally
- doesn’t identify with his or her instrument
- endures adversity
- self-validates
- reinvents herself
- is known by other professionals
- is courageous in sacrifice — enduring criticism, blame, envy
- works while others tweet
- is ruthless with himself, and compassionate; no perfectionism
- lives in the present
- defers gratification
- doesn’t wait for inspiration
- doesn’t give his power away
- helps others
- is neither groupie nor icon
- doesn’t seek the praise of the praised or proximity to the powerful or famous
— Steven Pressfield, from Turning Pro, page 90