Do you know what the difference is between a professional musician and someone who dabbles with the saxophone at home?

Or the difference between a pro golfer and a weekend hack?

Or the difference between an international marathon runner and some dude who can do a couple of laps of the block?

Or a masterful writer and a wannabe?

Or a famous sculptor and someone who does it for a hobby?

Let me tell you the difference between a professional and an amateur.

It’s not talent.

It’s not genetics.

It’s focused, deliberate, meaningful practice over a long period of time.

So don’t use the excuse that you’ll never be able to make it.

You can.

And don’t think that you’ll be the exception who can be successful without the hard work.

You’re not.

But if you practice your craft in a deliberate manner over many years, you too can become a true professional.