In college, I caught the photography bug and bought a Nikkormat 35mm camera. Back then, it was Nikon’s entry-level option but still a step above the typical Polaroid or instant cameras. Learning photography in those days was not cheap. There was no digital display to show you if your shot was sharp or blurry, and in-camera editing tools were nonexistent. You did not know how well you had done until you got the film developed—sometimes weeks later. Experience came at a high price, both in time and money.
I made attempts to improve over the years, even taking a continuing education photography class at the local community college. But despite my efforts, I did not see much progress, and eventually, I stopped trying to master the craft.
Decades later, I am still snapping away, but now I’m using my phone. My approach? I take as many shots as I can, banking on the odds that one will turn out well. It is a far cry from mastering the art of photography, but it gets the job done.
Evolving from Amateur to Professional
This pattern is not exclusive to photography. It is common in the business world, too. People often start their careers mastering the basics, then they plateau, never really advancing beyond the fundamentals. Without the push for ongoing professional development, especially in industries that do not mandate it, it is easy to remain stuck in that initial phase.
Over time, you might find yourself decades into a career but still operating at the same skill level as when you first began. In some cases, the fresh graduate entering the workforce today might have more up-to-date skills than someone who has been in the field for years.
And then the unexpected happens—you lose your job. In that moment, many people look back and regret not staying current with their professional development. They realize too late that they have fallen behind, and the scramble to catch up can be overwhelming. In a rapidly evolving job market, being unprepared can have profound consequences, both financially and emotionally.
No one sets out to be average, but it is what happens when you switch to autopilot. Developing a habit of continuous learning and growth is key to staying relevant and excelling in your field.
Keep Pushing Forward
We all start as amateurs in whatever we do, but the goal is to evolve into professionals—or at least get pretty close. This journey requires continuous development, practice, and a genuine desire to learn. Malcolm Gladwell famously said it takes around 10,000 hours to master something. I believe that, too. But it is not just about putting in the hours; it is about getting “evaluated” experience, where feedback and accountability push you to improve.
The bottom line: Make it a priority to get better every day. Try new things. Listen to educational podcasts, read books, attend conferences, or take a class. Seek out mentors and put yourself in situations that challenge you. Embrace discomfort as a sign that you are growing, and you will find yourself doing what you do better.