Amateur Be New -
The key is knowing when to toggle between amateur and expert modes. Use your expert mind for execution, safety, and efficiency. Use your amateur mind for exploration, ideation, and learning. Great artists, scientists, and leaders do this seamlessly. Picasso could draw like a classical master—but he chose to paint like a child when exploring new styles.
When you are a new beekeeper, knowing what you are looking at inside the hive is key.
To “amateur be new” isn’t a grammatical error—it’s a philosophy. It’s a call to shed the heavy armor of “knowing” and step into the fresh, electric territory of not-yet-mastered. It’s about choosing the mindset of a lover (the root of “amateur” comes from the Latin amare , “to love”) rather than the mindset of a certified expert. In this long-form exploration, we’ll unpack why staying an amateur—or becoming one again—might be the most powerful move you can make in your career, your hobbies, and your inner life. amateur be new
On days you don’t want to practice, commit to just five minutes. Usually, once you start, you’ll continue for longer. And even if you stop at five, you’ve upheld your habit.
At its core, "amateur be new" is about being new to a particular activity or hobby, and being open to learning and growth. It's about embracing a beginner's mindset, being willing to take risks, and viewing failures as opportunities to learn. This trend is not limited to any particular age group or demographic; it's about anyone who is eager to try something new and explore their passions. The key is knowing when to toggle between
If you've been waiting for the "perfect time" or waiting until you are "skilled enough" to start a new hobby, it’s time to rethink.
When you are a well-known expert, you have a reputation to protect. This makes you risk-averse. When you are new, you have nothing to lose, allowing you to experiment boldly. Great artists, scientists, and leaders do this seamlessly
Ready to live the philosophy? Here’s a month-long program to rewire your relationship with being a beginner.
You can be that person.