Professionals Work Despite Mood

A key difference between professionals and amateurs is how they approach their work - professionals treat it like a job and show up daily, while amateurs only work when motivated.

The Two Lives We Live

• Most people have two lives:
  • The life we actually live
  • The unlived life within us (our potential)
• Between these stands "resistance" - more powerful than a locomotive
• Resistance prevents us from doing what we're meant to do
• Most don't even recognize resistance is what's holding them back

Professional vs Amateur Mindset

• Amateurs:

  • Only work when they "love it" or feel inspired
  • Work sporadically (maybe once a month)
  • Let mood dictate their schedule
  • Never develop consistency
  • Often claim to love something but rarely do it

• Professionals:

  • Show up daily like it's their job
  • Work whether they feel like it or not
  • Don't make decisions based on mood
  • Treat creative work like any other job
  • Actually demonstrate their love through consistent practice

The Professional's Approach to "The Work"

• Sits down and does the work daily
• Doesn't matter if output is small (even 3 lines)
• Doesn't matter if quality is poor initially
• Focus is on showing up and putting in time
• Progress happens through consistency:
  • 3 lines become 30 lines
  • 30 lines become 30 pages
  • Bad work eventually becomes good work
  • Only way forward is through daily practice

Real World Example: Jerry Seinfeld's Process

• Writes jokes every day for about an hour
• Uses a yellow notebook and big pen
• Acknowledges most output is "garbage"
• Shows up to office and follows process
• Doesn't skip days just because he doesn't feel like it
• Treats comedy writing like a regular job
• Focuses on being great through consistency