Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield Flashcards
What age did the author move to northern California?
31
How much money did the author save before moving?
$2,700
What was the monthly rent for the author’s house?
$105
What type of vehicle did the author own?
Chevy van
What was the author’s routine for withdrawing money?
Every Monday morning, $25 from the Bank of America
What was the author’s main focus during the year of turning pro?
Finishing a book
What does ambition represent according to the text?
Primal and our life’s purpose
What is a ‘shadow career’?
A pursuit resembling one’s true calling but not actually it
What characterizes a shadow life?
Pursuing the wrong things, often in the form of addiction
What are the two requirements to overcome Resistance?
Concentration and depth
What do we often fail to embrace when we project a virtue onto someone else?
That we possess that quality ourselves
List characteristics of an amateur.
- Easily distracted
- Permits fear to stop them from acting
- Seeks instant gratification
- Cares too much about the opinions of others
What changes occur when one turns Pro?
- Structures days to overcome fears
- No longer indulges distractions
- Makes new friends facing fears and loses those who refuse
True or False: The author engaged in social activities during the year of turning pro.
False
Fill in the blank: Overcoming Resistance requires _______ and depth.
concentration
What did the author feel about running away again?
Could not run away again, or let people down again
What are the characteristics of a professional?
Will not be distracted, is ruthless with themself, lives in the present, defers gratification, does not wait for inspiration, shows up every day, is committed over the long haul, accepts no excuses, is prepared, does not hesitate to ask for help, does not take failure or success personally, endures adversity
These characteristics define the mindset and behaviors of a professional in any field.
What are the two types of salaries received by artists and entrepreneurs?
Conventional: money, applause, attention; Psychological: work for itself alone, pursuit becomes a practice
The distinction between conventional and psychological salaries highlights the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of creative work.
What are the three components that define a practice?
A space, a time, an intention
These components help establish a structured approach to developing skills and mastery in a given field.
True or False: A professional waits for inspiration to show up.
False
Professionals take action regardless of their emotional state or external circumstances.
Fill in the blank: A professional does not take _______ or success personally.
failure
This mindset allows professionals to learn from experiences without being derailed by emotions.
How does a professional handle adversity?
Endures adversity
Enduring adversity is crucial for growth and resilience in any professional journey.
What is meant by deferring gratification in the context of professionalism?
Delaying immediate rewards for long-term goals
This ability is essential for sustained commitment and success in any field.
What does it mean to show up every day as a professional?
Consistently putting in effort regardless of circumstances
Consistency is key to developing skills and achieving long-term success.
What is the role of intention in a practice?
It gives purpose and direction to the work
Intention helps focus efforts and align activities with overarching goals.
Fill in the blank: A professional is committed over the _______.
long haul
Long-term commitment is essential for achieving mastery and success.
True or False: A professional accepts excuses for not performing their work.
False
Acceptance of excuses undermines accountability and professional growth.
