Yesterday, I mentioned that my biggest competition is myself. But other competition still exists.
From time to time, I will ask folks what they think their biggest advantage over the competition is—leaving The Self aside. There's rarely a concrete answer.
What I've found, however, that with most serious people, "the competition" consists of rank amateurs in your chosen field of endeavor. As with sports, we often "play down" to our competition's level.
This drives coaches nuts.
When I'm talking amateur vs. professional here, I am not talking about unpaid vs. paid. I am talking about a mindset that is completely different.
Until recently, you could have an unpaid college player who carried himself like a pro. Meanwhile, you'll see paid athletes checking out, cashing in and performing to an amateur standard. With all the new money flowing into college sports, the analogy doesn't work as well, but I hope you get the picture.
According to Steve Seibold:
"Amateur performers operate from delusion, pros operate from objective reality. The great ones' habits, actions, and behaviors are totally congruent with the size and scope of their ultimate vision. That's why we call them champions."
What else?
Research shows that, on average, amateurs perform from four to ten times longer than it takes them to prepare. Pros, on the other hand, spend four to ten times longer preparing than they do performing.
Amateurs set goals. Goals are fine. Some would even say goals are necessary.
Professionals have systems. Goals and tasks are accomplished because of proper systems in place.
Lastly, as goals are "fine," so is being normal.
Normal is fine. Normal is acceptable and average. But, if you want to do great things, become abnormal.
Become a pro.
As always,
Brian
P.S.— We have a FREE Action Guide available to combat four of the critical beliefs holding you back from living the life you deserve.
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