For years, I'd always been rubbish at sports. My school days saw me dodging physical education classes with a standing note from my less-than-enthusiastic mum, while my "bad foot" became an excuse for avoiding team-based activities altogether.
But then, something unexpected happened. A friend invited me to join her casual game of football – I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't to get swept up in the excitement of it all. Instead of hating every minute of it, I found myself having a blast, cheering on my teammates as they scored.
It's funny how life works out like that sometimes. The other players didn't seem particularly sporty or experienced, yet we all had an amazing time together. And the best part? We'd agreed to do it again – and again – until our weekly kickabout had grown into a rotating lineup of around 40 people.
As I look back on how far I've come, one thing becomes clear: being terrible at sports has actually become a strength. Not because I'm any good, but because I've found a way to enjoy it without putting too much pressure on myself. And that's when things started to get really interesting – not just for me, but for those around me.
It turns out that embracing my amateurism has had a profound impact on my life. For one, it's helped me let go of perfectionism and appreciate the experience rather than getting bogged down by it. And two, it's encouraged me to take risks and try new things – like horse riding, for instance (although I haven't got there yet).
In fact, research has shown time and again that embracing a growth mindset – which involves taking on challenges without expecting perfection – can boost happiness and wellbeing in remarkable ways.
And then there's the idea of "intentional amateurism" itself. This is what author and activist Karen Walrond calls it: finding an activity we're passionate about but not necessarily naturally good at, and sticking with it anyway. It's all about embracing our love for something – even if that means we'll never be experts.
Walrond herself discovered this when she started dabbling in various hobbies as a teenager, only to drop them when she became more focused on her career. But years later, she realized that those activities were actually where her joy lay.
And it's not just about us, either. For many people, embracing amateurism can have a profound impact on their relationships and communities, too. As Walrond notes, "Nobody's expecting you to be in the WNBA" – but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try new things and push ourselves gently beyond our comfort zones.
In short, it seems like embracing amateurism is not only good for us individually, but also for those around us. So why not give it a go?
But then, something unexpected happened. A friend invited me to join her casual game of football – I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't to get swept up in the excitement of it all. Instead of hating every minute of it, I found myself having a blast, cheering on my teammates as they scored.
It's funny how life works out like that sometimes. The other players didn't seem particularly sporty or experienced, yet we all had an amazing time together. And the best part? We'd agreed to do it again – and again – until our weekly kickabout had grown into a rotating lineup of around 40 people.
As I look back on how far I've come, one thing becomes clear: being terrible at sports has actually become a strength. Not because I'm any good, but because I've found a way to enjoy it without putting too much pressure on myself. And that's when things started to get really interesting – not just for me, but for those around me.
It turns out that embracing my amateurism has had a profound impact on my life. For one, it's helped me let go of perfectionism and appreciate the experience rather than getting bogged down by it. And two, it's encouraged me to take risks and try new things – like horse riding, for instance (although I haven't got there yet).
In fact, research has shown time and again that embracing a growth mindset – which involves taking on challenges without expecting perfection – can boost happiness and wellbeing in remarkable ways.
And then there's the idea of "intentional amateurism" itself. This is what author and activist Karen Walrond calls it: finding an activity we're passionate about but not necessarily naturally good at, and sticking with it anyway. It's all about embracing our love for something – even if that means we'll never be experts.
Walrond herself discovered this when she started dabbling in various hobbies as a teenager, only to drop them when she became more focused on her career. But years later, she realized that those activities were actually where her joy lay.
And it's not just about us, either. For many people, embracing amateurism can have a profound impact on their relationships and communities, too. As Walrond notes, "Nobody's expecting you to be in the WNBA" – but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try new things and push ourselves gently beyond our comfort zones.
In short, it seems like embracing amateurism is not only good for us individually, but also for those around us. So why not give it a go?
I think this story is pretty relatable. Embracing your weaknesses and finding joy in them can be really empowering 
. And I love how the author highlights the importance of taking on challenges without expecting perfection – that's something we can all learn from 
.
. That's a great way to break free from pressure and perfectionism.
. When we share our passions and interests with others, it can bring people together and create new connections.
. Who knows what new hobbies or passions you might discover?
) and I'm loving every minute of it! Embracing my amateurism has taught me to let go of perfectionism and just have fun with it.
So, let's give amateurism a try and see where it takes us 
"I'm bad at sports" isn't exactly a compelling life story...
I think this phenomenon of "intentional amateurism" is really insightful 
. And I love how it highlights the importance of taking risks and trying new things – it's amazing how many opportunities for growth and happiness are hidden in the realm of "not being good at something" 
️
. And I love how he says he found freedom in embracing his amateurism - like, no more pressure on himself to be perfect 
. It's all about finding joy in something you're not necessarily great at, and that's a mindset we can all get behind 
.
. And if we do happen to stumble or make mistakes, oh well - that's just part of the journey, right? 
. It's all about finding those activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, even if we're not the best at them 
!
) before, but now I just chill and post whatever comes to mind without worrying too much about it.
. AND I THINK THAT'S SO COOL, ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE WHO FEEL LIKE THEY'RE NOT Fitting INTO THE "RIGHT" NICHES. IT'S ALL ABOUT FINDING WHAT YOU LOVE AND STICKING WITH IT, EVEN IF YOU WON'T BE AN EXPERT AT IT 
like my friend did, she just wanted to play casual games and that led her to join this whole group of 40 ppl who love football too! 
. And I love how it's given me a sense of accomplishment when I see somethin' I made all by myself 
. It's like, I'm not worried about bein' good at it or gettin' it just right... I'm happy with whatever I create 
.
