The Professional

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  1. shows up every day
  2. stays on the job all day
  3. commits to the long haul
  4. sets the stakes high, sees they’re real
  5. is patient
  6. seeks order
  7. demystifies
  8. acts in the face of fear
  9. accepts no excuses
  10. plays it as it lays
  11. is prepared
  12. doesn’t show off
  13. masters technique
  14. asks for help
  15. doesn’t take failure — or success — personally
  16. doesn’t identify with his or her instrument
  17. endures adversity
  18. self-validates
  19. reinvents herself
  20. is known by other professionals
  21. is courageous in sacrifice — enduring criticism, blame, envy
  22. works while others tweet
  23. is ruthless with himself, and compassionate; no perfectionism
  24. lives in the present
  25. defers gratification
  26. doesn’t wait for inspiration
  27. doesn’t give his power away
  28. helps others
  29. is neither groupie nor icon
  30. doesn’t seek the praise of the praised or proximity to the powerful or famous

— Steven Pressfield, from Turning Pro, page 90

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