Amateur
An Amateur is the enthusiast who pursues her work in the spirit of love.
Etymology
In French, the word means “Lover.”
Characteristics
- They take chances, experiment, and follow their whims
- They are just regular people who get obsessed by something and spend a ton of time thinking out loud about it
Opposite
The opposite is Professional (note not yet created).
For Professionals
Even for Professionals, the best way to flourish is to retain an amateur’s spirit and embrace uncertainty and the unknown.
Related Concepts
- [[Amateur Mindset]] — embracing the beginner’s perspective
- Professional — the opposite approach (note not yet created)
- [[Scenius]] — contributing to creative communities
- [[Process is Messy]] — making stuff despite imperfection
Definition based on creative work and learning.
Linked References
- [[Amateur Mindset]]
Embracing the beginner’s mind and incremental improvement over perfectionism.
- [[Creativity is a Way of Operating - John Cleese]]
Creativity is not a talent, it is a way of operating.
- [[Dunning-Kruger Effect]]
Cognitive bias where people with low ability overestimate their competence, while high performers …
- [[Lone Genius Myth]]
The false narrative that great work emerges from isolated individuals with superhuman talents.
- [[Mortality Awareness]]
Using awareness of death to clarify priorities and make meaningful choices.
- [[Process is Messy]]
You have to make stuff. Share something small every day.
- [[Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon]]
10 ways to share your creativity and get discovered - a guide to showing your work and building an …