Being successful is about professionalism, and chewing gum is

The stylist and teacher of discipline, Tabatha Coffey, once declared with clarity and force: “Being successful is about professionalism, and chewing gum is unprofessional. It’s also a huge pet peeve of mine.” At first, these words may sound like the simple irritation of one who dislikes a habit. Yet, spoken with the weight of conviction, they reveal a greater teaching about success, conduct, and the discipline that distinguishes those who achieve from those who drift. For in the smallest of actions, such as the chewing of gum, the soul reveals whether it is mindful or careless, reverent or distracted.

When she says, “Being successful is about professionalism,” Coffey names a truth as old as labor itself. Success is not chance, nor mere talent, but the daily cultivation of discipline and respect. To be professional is to treat your craft, your time, and your presence as sacred offerings to others. It is to honor not only what you do, but how you do it. The unprofessional spirit treats life as casual, forgetting that every moment is an opportunity to show excellence. In her words lies the echo of the ancients: success is not won in the great battles alone, but in the daily choices of conduct.

The image of chewing gum may seem trivial, yet Coffey raises it as a symbol of distraction. To chew while speaking, to masticate in the presence of others, is to appear unfocused, inattentive, and careless. It signals not mastery, but indifference. And indifference is poison to success. For those who would rise in any field, the smallest detail matters: the way you speak, the way you stand, the way you carry yourself. In the ancient courts of kings, a bowed head or a careless gesture could mean exile or death. Today, though less dramatic, the principle remains—unprofessional conduct diminishes authority, while discipline commands respect.

History offers us many reminders. Consider George Washington, who as a young man studied a manual called Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. To him, success in battle and leadership was not only about strategy but also about comportment. His ability to carry himself with dignity earned him trust, authority, and the reverence of those who followed him. Had he treated appearances lightly, had he disregarded manners as trifles, his presence would not have carried the same weight. Coffey’s words echo this wisdom: that even the smallest habit shapes the aura of success.

The origin of her remark lies in the world of her craft—salons, businesses, and public dealings—where presentation is everything. For her, chewing gum in front of clients or colleagues undermines the seriousness of the work, signaling a lack of presence. Yet her words reach beyond the salon, into every field of endeavor. Whether one is a teacher, a merchant, or a leader, professionalism is the bedrock of success. Without it, even talent is wasted; with it, even modest gifts can shine.

The lesson is profound: success is built not only on skill, but on discipline, presence, and respect. To treat small actions as insignificant is to misunderstand the nature of greatness. A single careless gesture can close doors; a single act of attentiveness can open them. Therefore, guard your conduct in the smallest things. Do not allow trivial habits to erode the dignity you wish to project. Be intentional in how you speak, move, and present yourself—for others will see your discipline long before they see your deeper talents.

Practical actions flow naturally from this teaching. If you wish for success, begin with professionalism in the details. Speak clearly. Stand with confidence. Listen attentively. Eliminate habits that distract from your presence—whether it be chewing gum, glancing endlessly at your phone, or slouching when attention is required. Ask yourself often: Does my conduct honor my work, my craft, and those around me? If not, refine it. For in refinement lies power, and in power lies success.

Thus, the words of Tabatha Coffey resound as more than irritation—they are a creed: “Being successful is about professionalism.” To future generations, let this be remembered: greatness is not only in what you know, but in how you carry yourself. Treat every act, even the smallest, as part of your offering to the world. In doing so, you will command respect, inspire trust, and walk the path of enduring success.