The Difference between the Professional and the Amateurs

Most amateurs remind me of boxers. They focus on the current moment, take the hits and tries to return the favor in kind.

What is it you said to the kid? The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very rough, mean place... and no matter how tough you think you are, it'll always bring you to your knees and keep you there, permanently... if you let it. You or nobody ain't never gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit... it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward... how much you can take, and keep moving forward. If you know what you're worth, go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit.
- - - Rocky Balboa (Rocky Balboa (2006)


While the professional reminds of the rare masters of the Dao who consciously knows what the on-coming situation will be before it occurs. They consciously know where to pre-position themselves not to take the direct hit.

Yield and overcome
(Dao De Jing chap. 22, tr. Feng and English)

Knowing others is wisdom;

Knowing the self is enlightenment.

Mastering others requires force;

Mastering the self requires strength;

He who knows he has enough is rich.

Perseverance is a sign of will power.

He who stays where he is endures.

To die but not to perish is to be eternally present.

(Dao De Jing chap. 33, tr. Feng and English)