A professional learns every aspect of the job.

An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.

A professional carefully discovers what is needed and wanted.

An amateur assumes what others need and want.

A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional.

An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.

A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly.

An amateur has a messy, confused or dirty work area.

A professional is focused and clear-headed.

An amateur is confused and distracted.

A professional does not let mistakes slide by.

An amateur ignores or hides mistakes.

A professional jumps into difficult assignments.

An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.

A professional completes projects as soon as possible.

An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on unfinished work.

A professional remains level-headed and optimistic.

An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.

A professional handles money and accounts very carefully.

An amateur is sloppy with money or accounts.

A professional faces up to other people’s upsets and problems.

An amateur avoids others’ problems.

A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment.

An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.

A professional persists until the objective is achieved.

An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.

A professional produces more than expected.

An amateur produces just enough to get by.

A professional produces a high-quality product or service.

An amateur produces medium-to-low quality product or service.

A professional earns high pay.

An amateur earns low pay and feels it’s unfair.

A professional has a promising future.

An amateur has an uncertain future.

It takes about 10 years to master the basics.   

...Twice as long if you're in a hurry.   ...Twice as long again if you feel you already know the material.

Finally, Goal Getting is mark of a true professional and separates professionals from amateurs.