Notice when you’re in a group where everyone assumes certain knowledge. Resist that assumption. Ask the question that’s been lingering: “Why do we actually do it this way?” or “What if we pretended we were starting from zero?” You might get eye rolls from the experts. But you might also uncover the hidden assumption that’s been costing the company millions.
Pick a skill. Commit to 30 consecutive days of 10-minute practice. No more, no less. Use a habit tracker. On day 30, write a short reflection about how your relationship with “being new” has changed.
When you decide to amateur be new in a skill you don’t yet possess, you bring the freshness of an outsider. That’s why startups so often disrupt incumbents: the founders aren’t weighed down by “that’s impossible” industry dogma. amateur be new
A chef learning to code might build a revolutionary kitchen management software because they understand the kitchen ecosystem better than a traditional software engineer.
In a world obsessed with instant expertise and polished social media feeds, embracing the status of a true beginner is a radical act. Everyone wants to be the expert, but the real growth happens when you are willing to look foolish, make mistakes, and learn. Notice when you’re in a group where everyone
The professional says, "I have mastered this." The amateur says, "I am new to this version of the problem." The professional relies on muscle memory; the amateur relies on fresh eyes.
This freedom to explore is a key part of the amateur experience. You're able to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of judgment or failure. You're not trying to prove yourself or impress others; you're simply following your curiosity and passion. But you might also uncover the hidden assumption
In the beginning, your goal isn't to produce a masterpiece; it’s to build the "muscle" of the craft. Keep Showing Up:
These stories share a common thread: they didn’t wait until they felt “ready.” They chose to anyway, and the journey itself became the reward.
Try weird methods or unconventional angles. If they fail, it doesn't matter. 3. Focus on Output, Not Outcome