Curious about the journey from being an amateur to a professional? Ever wondered how habits and addictions can keep us from realizing our true potential? How does the fear of failure and the need for external validation hinder our growth? What does it mean to turn pro and how can it transform our lives? Dive in to find out!

Turning Pro

On an episode of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart joked about a Japanese robot learning to recognize itself in a mirror, quipping, “When the robot learns to hate what it sees, it will have achieved full humanity.” This witticism touches on a deeper truth about self-perception and transformation.

In life, when people find themselves unhappy or unfulfilled, they often turn to two models for salvation: the therapeutic and the moralistic. The therapeutic model treats their condition as an illness needing treatment, while the moralistic model views their suffering as a consequence of wrongdoing, demanding penance. But what if the issue isn’t about being sick or sinful? Steven Pressfield, the author, proposes a third model: turning from an amateur to a professional.

Living as amateurs, people drag through life without commitment or mastery. Turning pro, however, demands a radical mental shift, shedding their comfortable, yet unfulfilling habits. It’s a painful transition, filled with sacrifice, but it leads to discovering their true power and self-respect.

Take Steven's time in Durham, North Carolina, for instance. He lived in a boarding house for mental patients, working a low-paying job while questioning his place there. A dream about his organized room revealed his buried ambition, pushing him to leave the halfway house for a cinderblock cabin. This humble abode, devoid of comforts, marked his first step towards embracing his ambition and destiny.

In that cabin, Steven encountered a battle-scarred tomcat who embodied self-sufficiency and confidence—qualities Steven aspired to. His ambition to write was buried deep, symbolized by his unused Smith-Corona typewriter, hidden under piles of junk. Fear and shame prevented him from pursuing his true calling, leading him into a shadow career as a truck driver—an escape from writing, yet a metaphorically powerful and adventurous life.

Shadow careers are deceptive. They mimic one's true calling without the inherent risks. Whether it’s pursuing a Ph.D. instead of writing or living a musician's lifestyle without creating music, these distractions keep people from their real work. Steven's trucking life, inspired by Jack Kerouac's "On The Road," was a shadow career that kept him from facing his true calling as a writer.

Addictions and shadow careers are forms of Resistance—barriers to one's true selves. Steven's friend, addicted to love, embodies this struggle. Despite her immense talents, she repeatedly falls into destructive relationships, avoiding her gifts. Steven's book is about breaking free from such amateur habits and embracing professional ones.

Addicts often lead fascinating lives filled with drama and conflict, but addiction itself is monotonous and predictable. The artist and the addict deal with similar pains, but the artist channels it into creation, while the addict succumbs to it. To turn pro is to shift from shadow pursuits to real, meaningful work. It’s a process of self-abnegation, focusing one's energy on their true calling rather than distractions.

Turning pro simplifies life. It’s about moving from ego-driven pursuits to genuine, purposeful work. When we commit to our true calling, what once seemed like a dream becomes our reality, transforming our lives in profound ways.

Can Turning Professional Truly Transform Your Life and Liberate Your Hidden Potential?

When individuals are young, they're often beckoned to something higher—art, service, or noble sacrifice. This calling, however, is quickly overshadowed by Resistance: fear, self-doubt, and self-sabotage. They might feel restless, bored, and angry, yearning to achieve greatness but paralyzed by where to begin. Enter addiction: the drink, the lover, the habit. These quick fixes replace their aspirations, turning their potential into shadow careers.

Addiction, much like a shadow career, becomes the counterfeit version of one's true calling. It turns their lives into repetitive cycles of drama and suffering, mirroring what might have been their genuine creative or service-driven endeavors. This is why addicts are simultaneously fascinating and tragic—they possess the passion of a dramatic hero but never realize their potential.

Steven once spent a season picking apples in Chelan, Washington. Among the migrant workers was a man named Dave, a former Marine who had survived the brutal Chosin Reservoir ordeal in Korea. Despite the grueling work and his life on the fringes, Dave was kind, generous, and incredibly skilled. He drank wine, explaining it was the least harmful way to cope. Dave and others like him had chosen a life of hard labor and transient existence, finding peace in their routines and camaraderie.

Their lives were tough but had a natural rhythm, following the seasons and the harvests. They had fallen so far that they no longer feared falling further. This life, though unconventional, was close to the natural human experience—migrating and working with the earth. Despite his addiction, Dave embraced his choices and never "pulled the pin," the term for quitting in the migrant world. He was a professional in his own right.

Addictions, whether to failure, sex, distraction, money, or trouble, share two qualities: repetition without progress and producing incapacity. They keep individuals in a loop, preventing them from achieving their true potential. For instance, Steven had a friend addicted to love, living a glamorous yet unfulfilled life. She used her addiction to avoid facing her real talents and aspirations, resulting in a shadow version of herself.

Steven's turning point came when he moved to a small town with $2,700, a typewriter, and a determination to finish a book or die trying. He cut out all distractions and focused solely on his work. This period of intense, undisturbed labor was his year of turning pro. Though his manuscript didn't find a publisher, it marked the moment Steven beat Resistance and committed to his calling.

Both artists and addicts grapple with the pain of being human—feeling exiled between two worlds. Addicts seek to escape this pain through chemicals or distractions, while artists strive to transcend it through labor and love. The artist's journey is about calling down the magic of the upper realm and creating something that mirrors perfect love, truth, justice, and beauty.

Ultimately, the pain of being human is universal, but how we choose to address it defines our paths. Will we succumb to the shadow careers and addictions, or will we embrace our true callings and turn pro? The choice, though difficult, is ours.

Overcoming Resistance: A Tale of Addiction, Shadow Careers, and the Journey to Turning Pro

During World War One's brutal trench warfare, soldiers sometimes shot themselves in the foot, hoping to be sent to the hospital and avoid the deadly no-man’s land. This act of self-harm, known as malingering, was a desperate bid for survival. Interestingly, many of us commit similar "self-inflicted wounds" in our lives, not with rifles, but through habits and addictions. These behaviors incapacitate us, preventing us from facing our true battles: discovering who we are and fulfilling our destinies.

The amateur, much like those soldiers, is well-meaning but riddled with fear—fear of failure, success, poverty, loneliness, and more. This fear keeps them from stepping into their true potential. The professional feels fear too, but the difference lies in how they act despite it.

Amateurs are ego-driven, seeing themselves as the heroes of their own stories and craving validation from others. This need for approval paralyzes them. They avoid solitude and silence, fearing the inner voice that points to their true calling, and instead seek shallow distractions in social media and instant gratification.

Jealousy and a lack of self-compassion plague amateurs. They often compare themselves to others, feeling inadequate and unkind both to others and themselves. To break free, an amateur must learn to have empathy for themselves, taking the first step toward professionalism.

The amateur seeks permission from others to act, always waiting for some external validation or discovery. They live in the future, dreaming of quick rewards, or in a romanticized past, avoiding the hard work needed in the present.

In essence, moving from amateur to professional means facing your fears, acting with intention, and finding authenticity in who you truly are, despite the opinions and expectations of others.

Are You Sabotaging Your Own Success Like World War One Soldiers?

Being an amateur isn't just about poor planning; it's about giving away power. Have you ever waited on a guru's approval or trembled at someone else's judgment? Steven has. But hitting rock bottom can be a blessing, forcing us to rely on ourselves and no one else.

The amateur remains asleep, afraid of self-awareness because it compels action and self-definition. Fear of rejection keeps them stuck, clinging to the tribe's approval. But here's the kicker: the tribe doesn’t care. Each member is too busy with their own fears. Real freedom comes when we realize this.

When you turn pro, life simplifies. You listen to that inner voice, acknowledging your true passion, whether it's ballet or motorcycle maintenance. Everything changes—not you, but your approach to life. You stop fleeing from fear and face it head-on.

Your daily routine transforms. You rise with purpose, structure your time to confront and overcome fear, and this shift affects every aspect of your life—from what you eat to how you interact with others. The drama and distractions of amateur life fade away.

Turning pro also changes your social landscape. Some old friends might try to sabotage you, while new, supportive ones emerge. These changes demand tough choices, often leaving behind those who can't follow you on your path to growth.

It's like kicking a habit; you must recommit daily. Each morning, you face the same demons but choose not to yield. This decision is often born from a dramatic, life-altering moment.

Take Ms. X, an attorney who woke up in a Bakersfield motel beside an empty bottle of Jim Beam. Staring in the mirror, she heard herself say, "That’s enough, darling. This shit has got to stop." Or Rosanne Cash, who dreamt about being dismissed as a dilettante, prompting her to change her approach to music and life.

Steven had his moment too, sitting in a dingy New York sublet, forcing himself to write despite years of denial. Washing dishes afterward, Steven found himself whistling, realizing he had turned a corner. He had finally done his work.

Epiphanies strip us bare, exposing our self-delusions. They hurt but bring clarity and humility. In that moment of truth, we face a choice: reconstitute our bullshit or turn pro.

Shame, post-epiphany, can be a catalyst. It provides the will to change. These raw, painful moments become our turning points, shared in hushed conversations among fellow soldiers in life's trenches. And that's when everything changes.

Turning Pro: Discovering Your True Calling and Evolving from Amateur to Professional

In "The War of Art," Steven highlighted the habits that set professionals apart from amateurs. Professionals show up daily, stay dedicated, and strive for excellence. Here’s a deeper dive into the qualities of a true professional:

Courage: Professionals confront their fears head-on. Unlike team players like linebackers or Army Rangers, artists and entrepreneurs often battle alone. Steven deeply respects anyone who faces such solo challenges.

Focus: Where amateurs might tweet, professionals commit to their work without distractions.

Self-Critique: Picasso once destroyed months of his own work because it didn’t meet his standards. True professionals are ruthless with themselves to maintain excellence.

Self-Compassion: Like a horse trainer who treats his thoroughbreds with care, professionals balance hard work with kindness to themselves. They know that a motivated spirit outperforms one driven by force.

Living in the Present: Professionals immerse themselves in the moment, like Stephen Sondheim, who loses himself in his work.

Delayed Gratification: The famous marshmallow experiment showed that those who wait for a bigger reward achieve more. Professionals understand that the work itself is the reward.

Action Over Inspiration: Professionals don’t wait for the muse; they show up and trust that inspiration will follow.

Self-Sovereignty: While amateurs idolize others, professionals seek wisdom without surrendering their power.

Helping Others: Sharing knowledge enriches the professional community. When Steven faced the daunting task of cutting 300 pages from his manuscript, a note from a seasoned publisher gave him the confidence to push through.

Magic Through Discipline: The professional mindset may seem rigid, but true creativity emerges from discipline. Like monks finding enlightenment through meditation, artists discover brilliance through dedicated practice.

A Marine once told his young soldiers they earn two salaries: a financial one and a psychological one, the latter being the pride of belonging to a noble tradition. Similarly, artists and entrepreneurs often find their deepest rewards in the work itself, not the external accolades.

Years of failure forced Steven to question his path. Despite the lack of conventional success, he couldn’t quit. He found joy in the struggle, and the work became his practice, sustaining him.

A professional practice involves a sacred space and time. It’s a ritual that elevates the mind and spirit, transforming daily effort into a communion with something greater—whether you call it the Muse, the divine, or your higher self.

Professionals create dedicated spaces, like the artists in "Where Women Create," who transcend their personal struggles to serve the Muse with passion, humility, and commitment. When we consistently show up in our sacred spaces at the same time, we build powerful energy that the goddess rewards.

Ultimately, the professional mindset is about turning work into a practice, a disciplined path to excellence and connection with a higher purpose.

What Sets True Professionals Apart from Amateurs?

Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 Hour Rule from "Outliers" emphasizes that true mastery requires focused practice. This intention is what drives artists, brain surgeons, and athletes alike to deepen their craft.

Imagine a sword master stepping onto the fighting floor. His real enemy is not his opponent but the inner demons—fear, doubt, and resistance. This battle is universal, whether you’re a film editor, software writer, or yogi. Picasso painted into his nineties, and Spartan king Agesilaus fought in armor at eighty-two. Mastery is a lifelong journey.

Entering practice with humility is crucial. Even the great sword master Miyamoto Musashi saw himself as a perpetual student. The space of practice is sacred, requiring dedication without arrogance.

After a transformative dream, Rosanne Cash didn’t change her approach to gain fame or money but to respect her craft. This shift made her a better artist and a more powerful musician. Elevating our work aesthetically also raises it morally and spiritually.

Patricia Ryan Madson, who taught improv at Stanford, used an exercise called “What’s in the Box?” to show her students that creativity is always there, even if it's unexpected. The professional trusts this mystery, knowing that inspiration will always come.

Writer Steve Pressfield once faced a dire crossroads but chose to write a screenplay about prison, despite having no experience with it. The result was so authentic that peers thought he had done time. Trusting the mystery often yields remarkable outcomes.

Every creative journey has its tough spots. When resistance is overwhelming, professionals take what the defense gives, stay patient, and play for tomorrow. One bad day or even ten are just speed bumps in a lifelong practice.

Amateurs wait for perfect conditions; professionals play hurt and keep going. Sue Sally Hale’s advice to “sit chilly” teaches us to maintain composure even in moments of terror. 

On a trip to Africa, Steve Pressfield observed a Masai shaman moving his tribe’s camp to ward off unseen evil. This act, seemingly irrational, underscored the deep, unseen forces at play in life. Just like the Masai trust their shaman, artists must trust their own intuitive wisdom.

Rabbi Mordecai Finley explained a concept from Kabbalah about an inner shadow self, the yetzer hara, which aims to block our true potential. Overcoming this requires a disciplined, humble approach—what the Kabbalists called mussar, akin to turning pro.

In the end, our struggles and sacrifices are for the audience—readers, moviegoers, and listeners. Just like the hero who returns with a gift after years of wandering, artists refine their pain and vision into treasures for others. This journey of mastery is not just about personal achievement but about contributing something of value to the world.

Unraveling the Path to Mastery: Insights from Artists, Warriors, and Shamans

When we feel unfulfilled, we often resort to viewing our struggles through therapeutic or moralistic lenses. However, a more empowering approach is to transition from an amateur to a professional. Living as amateurs, we often lack commitment and mastery, settling into unproductive habits. Turning pro requires a radical mental shift, embracing pain and sacrifice to discover our true power and self-respect.

This shift means confronting our shadow careers—paths that mimic our true calling but lack the inherent risks. Addictions and distractions further act as barriers, keeping us from aspiring to our real work. The journey from amateur to professional involves facing our fears, acting with intention, and finding authenticity.

Professionals show up daily, dedicated to excellence, courage, focus, and self-compassion. They live in the present, delay gratification, and act despite fear. Establishing a professional practice involves creating sacred spaces and times for work, turning daily effort into a communion with a higher purpose.

Mastery is a lifelong journey requiring humility, patience, resilience, and trust in the mystery. Professionals embrace the unknown, persist through resistance, and maintain composure in adversity. 

Ultimately, this path isn’t just about personal achievement but contributing something valuable to the world, refining our struggles and visions into treasures for others.

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Turning Pro

Steven Pressfield

7 Key ideas

18 MINS

4.8 (1.4k)

Curious about the journey from being an amateur to a professional?

Ever wondered how habits and addictions can keep us from realizing our true potential?

How does the fear of failure and the need for external validation hinder our growth?

What does it mean to turn pro and how can it transform our lives?

Dive in to find out!

Key Ideas

#1