It’s tempting to think that the professional doesn’t need to prepare. That her skills are developed such that she can arrive on scene at the top of the hour, ready to go, without much thought.

And maybe she could. (She’s a pro, after all.)

But she doesn’t.

Seasoned as she is, she still arrives early. Or she rehearses off-site. Physically, mentally, materially — whatever the job requires.

The professional’s skills allow her to work off the cuff, but a commitment to careful preparation is one of the reasons she’s a pro.