Near the end of Daniel Pink’s book, Drive, I found this quote:
“Being a professional, is doing the things you love to do, on the days you don’t feel like doing them.† – Julius Irving.
It’s wonderfully insightful and is exactly the inspiration I needed. Even though I love what I do, sometimes, I just don’t feel like doing it. Sure, I work on games for a living, but it’s still work. Sure, I’m passionate about learning as much as I can every day, but sometimes, I just want to watch True Blood with my wife or mix it up in League of Legends with my son.
So this quote, from Dr J is just perfect. First, it reminds me that it’s okay to have those off days. Failure isn’t imminent just because I’ve lost the motivation to work out the kinks in an interface or do more research for a new design. And then, at the same time, it gives me just the slightest kick in the pants. It reminds me that a true professional will get in there and do it anyway.
It reminds me that mastery is a lifelong journey. And a choice we make each day.