Similar to being a doctor, carpenter, or musician, it takes time to hone our skills. Natural talent or the disposition to certain activities only carries us so far. Professionals separate themselves from others through their passion and inner drive to be the best they can be. They take pride in what they do, and truly love doing it. Likewise, they know when to say, “No!”
Others look to professionals because they want the job done right, and they need quality. They pay a higher level of compensation, because “we get what we pay for.” However, too often developers let others dictate how they perform, allow unrealistic deadlines to promote bad practices, and let business politics interfere with good design.
Let your passion carry you, and strive to be a professional.