What do you practice?

January 15, 2025
2:18 AM

What do you think makes someone a professional in their field? In college, I thought someone became a professional when they got paid to do something. However, I have paid many people in my life who I didn't think were very professional.

Is it their organization? Is it their efficiency? Is it their passion? What exactly is it?

Contrary to popular opinion, I don't believe it's their mastery. No matter their experience in their field, I believe what makes someone a professional is their practice. They never stop developing and refining their skills. Whether intentional or not, they continuously bring their best to improve the work they do.

Athletes practice for game days with game reviews, physical training, and specific drills. Chefs experiment with ingredients and techniques to create new recipes. Doctors attend medical conferences and workshops to stay updated on the latest advancements. Musicians practice new pieces and rehearse their performances with others. Teachers prepare lesson plans and find new engaging ways to present the material to the class. Writers read extensively to refine their vocabulary, understand different styles, and follow new trends.

When you think about it in your own life, it should come as no surprise. Would you want to pay someone who practices their craft or does their bare minimum to fulfill your most basic demands? No matter what field you're in, I believe learning to practice and learning to make it feel like play is an area of ourselves we can all explore further.

If you want to level up in your career, take some time to reflect on how you can bring the best of yourself into your practices and how you can use the practices to bring the best out of yourself. And remember to have a little fun. I believe the best practice feels like play.

What are you practicing in your profession?

3:16 AM
Chris X

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