Are you playing around or committed to being a ‘Pro’?

There is a great book written by Steven Pressfield called ‘Turning Pro’. And I wanted to discuss some of the main points with you today. You see I work with a few of you One on One and receive lots of messages from the rest of you on a regular basis. All essentially asking one thing; ‘how can I improve my life and practice’?

The simple answer, ‘turn pro’.

And this really is a difference between those who commit to change and those who talk about it. It is clear to see the difference between a weekend athlete at the local football club and a professional. Some key things stand out.

1.      Weekend athletes do what they ‘feel’ like. If the weather is no good, they will miss training, if there is a party to be had they will turn up hungover. You get the idea, and what’s the outcome? Nothing special, a very average player not achieving much.
Then you have the pro. They show up whatever the weather, the never play a game hungover. They do what they have committed to doing, not what they feel like.

So the first thing to master when turning pro, is to commit to actions based on your goals and what you want, not your feelings. This may mean staying late. Putting in the work when others are out. Focusing on your fitness every day and learning constantly. Things you know will move you toward your goal.

2.      Have an outcome.
Pros focus on the title, they put all the required effort in place to win. They know what they are aiming for, and they know how to win.
Amateurs don’t know where they are going. Simply going through the motions each day, turning the wheels, and hoping. This is a sure fast way to go nowhere.

Have a goal, set a specific target and then, in line with point 1, commit to what is necessary.

3.      Get a team, hire a coach.
I’m not saying this to sell you, but if you want to go far, you need a team around you. Even solo pro athletes have an entire team behind them, from tactics, to massage, travel booking to managing finances.

The same needs to be the case for you to go pro. I have a big team and I invest a lot of money in them, and that is the reason I go far. I have 4 business/life coaches, a nutritionist, PT, massage therapist, and not forgetting an amazing wife and practice team. As well as being part of some amazing groups to grow with.

So who is on your team? Who is your business coach? Who helps with your finances? Find a team to help you go further.

Are you ready to stop playing and start winning?

Time to make choices on your commitments and not your feelings.

With love,

Tom