How to Be an A-Player? Here’s What I’ve Learned

There’s one line from the Nike memo that has stuck with me since the day I read it:

“Your job isn’t done until the job is done. “

And I think that is what being an A player means.

Here are 5 things I’ve learned from people who are incredible at what they do, and from my own experiences.

1. They Know the Game

Launching my first gig on Fiverr, sending that first cold email, posting my first tweet—it all started with a single step.

So, spoiler alert, You don’t really need to know everything.

No one does.

But A-players figure things out as they go. They aren’t afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn in real time.

When I look back, some of my biggest growth moments were when I didn’t know what I was doing but was willing to try anyway. Most things in life are figure-outable if you give yourself the space to try.

2. They Never Stop Learning

One thing I’ve noticed about great people is that they’re always curious.

They’re not content with just being “good enough.” They keep learning, improving, and reflecting on how to do better.

This extends beyond work—it’s about being curious about life.

It’s about reading, asking questions, and seeking new perspectives.

3. They Get Things Done

Ideas are great, but it’s finishing what you start that really counts.

I’ve learned that it’s easy to start things, but seeing them through to the end is where the real value is.

The line from Nike—“Your job isn’t done until the job is done”—is a constant reminder for me to follow through.

It’s not about doing a lot of things halfway, it’s about finishing well.

4. They Take Ownership

A-players take responsibility for everything they do.

They don’t blame others when things go wrong, and they don’t wait to be told what to do. They just step up.

When something needs to be done, they make sure it happens.

And if it fails? They own that too.

It’s never about passing the buck.

5. They’re Relentless

The path isn’t always easy, but A-players keep going.

They don’t back down from challenges or quit when things get hard. It’s not about working nonstop—it’s about staying committed even when things aren’t clear or comfortable.

In my own journey, there were moments when I wasn’t sure how things would work out, but showing up every day made all the difference.

When I first pitched myself to beehiiv as a writer, it wasn’t an easy or quick process. I went through a trial period, wrote over 50 articles, and consistently looked for ways to improve. After working part-time for over six months, I finally joined full-time in April.

That required more than 1 year of just showing up and getting things done.

What I love most about the journey is the persistence it took to show up, even when success wasn’t immediate. Something is rewarding about sticking with it, knowing that every day I’m getting closer to where I want to be.

How to Be an A-Player?

Show, don’t tell.

Here’s something simple I’ve learned:

Send that cold email.

Pitch yourself to people like they’re the only person that matters. When you send that email, make it so personal that the other person knows you didn’t blast it out to 1,000 people.

Make people feel seen, and make your work seen.

The difference between those who break through and those who don’t is the ability to be genuine, to stand out by showing you care.

What I am currently reading:

Focussed work over years just compounds — and when you love what you do, putting in the work feels like a play.

Here’s my favorite part of the book:

Well, that’s about it for this time!

If this resonates with you, feel free to share it with someone you think might appreciate it.

And if it doesn’t, reply and let me know what could’ve been better. A-players also thrive on feedback 💪