By ofwisdomowl By Steven Pressfield
Short Summary
“Turning Pro” is the third book on the Steven Pressfield’s trilogy. If you have not read them, do miss “The War of Art” and “Do the Work”. This book is a call to action for anyone who wants to take their life and work to the next level. It outlines the journey from amateur to professional.
Pressfield argues that becoming a professional means overcoming resistance and committing fully to one’s calling. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own life and work, and of embracing the challenges and discomfort that come with pursuing a true vocation.
Quotes that resonated with me
- “The difference between an amateur and a professional is in their habits.“
- “The amateur dabbles. The professional commits.”
- “The amateur fears solitude and silence because he knows that, given the opportunity, the inner voice will expose him as a fraud.”
- “The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.“
- “The amateur seeks instant gratification. The professional knows it’s the work that will fulfill him, not the applause.”
- “The amateur craves third-party validation. The professional is oriented solely around mastery of the work itself.”
- “The sure sign of an amateur is he has a million plans and they all start tomorrow.”
- “The professional is patient. He knows that any job, whether it’s a novel or a kitchen remodel, takes twice as long as he thinks and costs twice as much.“
- “The professional dedicates himself to mastering technique not because he believes technique is a substitute for inspiration, but because he wants to be in possession of the full arsenal of skills when inspiration does come.“
- “The professional is ready when the Muse appears. The amateur is not ready.”
Extended Summary
ADDICTED TO DISTRACTION
Resistance hates two qualities above all others: concentration and depth. Why? Because when we work with focus and we work deep, we succeed.
THE AMATEUR LIVES IN THE PAST
The payoff of living in the past or the future is you never have to do your work in the present.
THE AMATEUR WILL BE READY TOMORROW
The sure sign of an amateur is he has a million plans and they all start tomorrow.
THE TRIBE DOESN’T GIVE A SHIT
When we truly understand that the tribe doesn’t give a damn, we’re free. There is no tribe, and there never was. Our lives are entirely up to us.
HOW YOUR LIFE CHANGES WHEN YOU TURN PRO
When we turn pro, we stop running from our fears. We turn around and face them.
THE PROFESSIONAL DOES NOT WAIT FOR INSPIRATION
The professional does not wait for inspiration; he acts in anticipation of it.
A PRACTICE HAS A TIME
When we convene day upon day in the same space at the same time, a powerful energy builds up around us. This is the energy of our intention, of our dedication, of our commitment.