In his book Turning Pro, Steven Pressfield offers a profound insight that resonates far beyond the world of writing or art. It speaks to anyone who seeks excellence in their field, and this is particularly true for an American football coach. Pressfield writes, “Turning pro is free, but it’s not easy. When we turn pro, we give up a life that we may have become extremely comfortable with. We give up a self that we have come to identify with and to call our own. Turning pro is free, but it demands sacrifice.”
For a football coach, these words are more than just a philosophical musing—they are a call to action. Coaching, much like any profession pursued with passion, requires a shift from amateur to professional. But what does “turning pro” really mean for a football coach? How can this concept transform their career, their team, and their personal life?
The Amateur vs. The Professional
Pressfield draws a clear distinction between the amateur and the professional. He says, “An amateur approaches his work like an amateur. A pro approaches his work like a pro. An amateur has amateur habits. A pro has professional habits.” For a football coach, this distinction can be the difference between a mediocre season and a championship run.
An amateur coach might rely on talent alone, expecting that natural ability will lead to success. They might prepare just enough to get by, relying on instinct rather than meticulous planning. In contrast, a professional coach understands that success is built on habits, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. A professional knows that every detail matters—from the way they run practices to how they handle adversity.
Sacrificing Comfort for Growth
Turning pro, as Pressfield notes, “demands sacrifice.” For a coach, this might mean giving up the comfort of routine and embracing the discomfort of change. It could involve reevaluating long-held beliefs about coaching, game strategy, or player management. Perhaps it’s about letting go of a particular identity—one that may have been sufficient in the past but now limits growth.
For example, a coach who has always prided themselves on being a “player’s coach” might realize that turning pro requires setting stricter boundaries or demanding more accountability from their team. This shift can be uncomfortable, even painful, but it’s necessary for both personal and professional growth.
The Interior Odyssey
Pressfield describes the transition from amateur to professional as “an interior odyssey whose trials are survived only at great cost.” For a football coach, this journey is deeply personal. It’s not just about acquiring new skills or knowledge; it’s about transforming one’s mindset.
This odyssey often involves confronting one’s fears and insecurities. A coach might fear failure, rejection, or the loss of respect from their players. Turning pro requires facing these fears head-on and moving forward despite them. It’s about treading “in blood,” as Pressfield puts it, navigating the messiness of growth with courage and determination.
The Power of Mindset
At the core of turning pro is a change in mindset. Pressfield writes, “You don’t have to take a course to turn pro. All you have to do is change your mind.” For a football coach, this means adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
This professional mindset is what separates great coaches from good ones. It’s the difference between a coach who panics when the game plan falls apart and one who calmly adjusts and leads their team to victory. It’s the difference between a coach who blames players for a loss and one who takes responsibility, learns from the experience, and comes back stronger.
Practical Applications for the Football Coach
So, how can a football coach apply these lessons from *Turning Pro* to their life and profession? Here are some practical steps:
1. Develop Professional Habits: A coach must establish routines and habits that reflect a professional mindset. This includes meticulous planning, continuous learning, and disciplined practice. A professional coach doesn’t just show up—they prepare, they analyze, and they refine their approach constantly.
2. Embrace Discomfort: Growth requires stepping out of comfort zones. Whether it’s implementing a new playbook, trying unconventional training methods, or pushing players harder than before, a coach must be willing to face discomfort for the sake of progress.
3. Cultivate Resilience: Football is a game of highs and lows, and so is coaching. A professional coach remains steady, focused, and resilient, no matter the circumstances. They learn from losses and setbacks, using them as fuel to improve rather than reasons to retreat.
4. Lead with Accountability: Turning pro involves holding oneself and others to high standards. A coach must demand accountability from their players, their staff, and most importantly, themselves. This might mean making tough decisions, but it’s essential for building a culture of excellence.
5. Commit to Lifelong Learning: The game of football evolves, and so must a coach. Whether it’s studying game film, attending coaching clinics, or reading up on the latest strategies, a professional coach is always learning, always seeking to improve.
Conclusion: The Cost and Reward of Turning Pro
Steven Pressfield’s Turning Pro offers a roadmap for anyone looking to elevate their craft, and for an American football coach, the lessons are invaluable. The journey from amateur to professional is not easy—it’s messy, it’s scary, and it demands sacrifice. But for those willing to tread this path, the rewards are immense.
By turning pro, a coach not only transforms their own life but also the lives of their players and the success of their team. They move beyond mere participation to mastery, beyond temporary success to sustained excellence. In the end, the cost of turning pro is high, but the value it brings—to the coach, the team, and the game—is priceless.
The next time a coach stands on the sidelines, whistle in hand, and game plan ready, they might ask themselves: Am I approaching this as an amateur or as a professional? The answer could determine not just the outcome of the game, but the trajectory of their career. As Pressfield reminds us, “All you have to do is change your mind.”
