In a world obsessed with polished "influencer" aesthetics and overnight experts, the term has taken on a negative slant. We treat it like a polite word for "unskilled."
But if you’re a young person starting a new craft—whether it’s coding, carpentry, or content creation—being an amateur is actually your secret weapon. Here is why your "amateur" phase is the most productive time of your career. 1. The Freedom to Fail (Cheaply) young amateurs
Documenting your journey is more relatable, builds a more loyal community, and takes the pressure off having to be "perfect" right out of the gate. How to maximize your amateur phase: In a world obsessed with polished "influencer" aesthetics
Reach out to pros. You’d be surprised how many experts love mentoring someone who is genuinely curious and hasn't become jaded yet. You’d be surprised how many experts love mentoring
Don't rush to be a professional. The world has enough polished experts; what we’re missing is the raw, experimental energy of the amateur.
When you’re a professional, stakes are high. People pay for a specific result, which often makes pros play it safe. As a young amateur, your "brand" doesn't exist yet. You can pivot, experiment, and fail spectacularly without a PR crisis or a loss in revenue. This is the only time you can be truly fearless. 2. The "Beginner’s Mind"