Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement 3717: Forming New Habits: Train to be an Amateur, Not an Expert by Nir Eyal and Charles Wang on Personal Growth
Aug 27, 2025
Nir Eyal and Charles Wang discuss the surprising benefits of embracing an amateur mindset in personal growth. They emphasize curiosity and playfulness over rigid expertise, allowing us to enjoy the learning process without the pressure to perform perfectly. The hosts encourage focusing on small, enjoyable actions that lead to lasting habits while avoiding the pitfalls of burnout and competition. By prioritizing exploration and enjoyment, we can cultivate deeper joy and sustainable growth in our lives.
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Everyday Goals Need Different Methods
- Pursuing world-class techniques often ignores what most people actually need.
- Focusing on small, enjoyable habits fits everyday goals like losing weight or saving money.
Amateurhood Changes Your Identity
- An amateur practices a behavior because they enjoy it and it becomes identity.
- When you love the activity, choices requiring willpower become effortless.
Start With A Minimal Enjoyable Action
- Start with an MEA: a minimal enjoyable action you can do consistently.
- Use the MEA to build skill and willpower until the habit becomes effortless.
