One of the biggest separators from average performers and elite performers is what they love most.
Average performers love the outcome. They love the confetti, the bonus checks, and the attention earned from a win.
Elite performers love the work. They love the lonely mornings training before anyone else is up, the late nights studying for their certification, and the every day grind.
Average performers might get a win every now and then - but only once because their obsession with the outcome causes them to ride the emotional rollercoaster of getting too high and complacent after a win and too low and defeated after a loss.
Elite performers on the other hand are even-keel with their emotions. They love the win, but more so love it as a by-product of the work. They don't allow a victory to cause them to become complacent nor let a defeat be the reason they give up.
The outcome is fun... but true winners separate themselves during the process.