The fact is, investing in the professional approach pays consistent dividends.
Most things in life will succumb to the simple act of putting in the hours, day after day after day until the hours have become days, the days weeks, months, and years and you have developed a previously undreamed of capacity for excellence.
Though some days will always go better than others, for the professional, every day has the potential for greatness.
So what can you do if you want to become more professional in your approach to any area of your life?
Focus on what is within your control.
This does not include other people, results, success, or even creative fulfillment, but it does include...
a. The amount of time you spend each day engaged in your project, craft or goal.
b. The number of actions that you take in support of that project, craft, or goal, i.e. "I will make a minimum of 60 phone calls a day", or "I will write at least five pages of new writing each day, even if they’re terrible"
c. The number of ‘action requests’ you make of your network, i.e "I will ask at least 25 people for assistance in reaching more people with my work each week"
This is where the importance of schedules, timelines, and goals come in handy. Are you on track for Q1?