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]].
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
- [[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 …