So what if the pressure to master everything, be excellent at it, or even just one main thing,

was actually holding you back from experiencing genuine joy in your life? What if being

intentionally not great at something or many things made you way happier, more fulfilled,

and in love with your life? Despite being told that it's a road to mediocrity and slackerdom.

What if mediocre was actually pretty awesome?

These questions sparked a fun and eye-opening conversation that challenges everything we've

been taught about hobbies, creativity, passion, side hustles, careers, and personal growth.

And the answers might transform how you think about

what makes life worth living. My guest today, Karen Walren, is also a dear friend and sometimes

collaborator, an author, leadership consultant, speaker, and photographer who helps people live

better lives. She's trained in positive psychology coaching with the Whole Being Institute

and has written multiple acclaim books.

Her latest, in defense of dabbling, the brilliance of being a total amateur, offers a provocative

and welcome new perspective on the power of what she calls intentional amateurism.

In our conversation, we explore the counterintuitive idea that being mediocre at something that

you'd love can actually lead to greater fulfillment than striving for mastery.

And Karen offers really practical wisdom for anyone feeling the pressure to monetize every

passion or turn every hobby into a side hustle.

We also dive into seven surprising attributes that can

turn simple activities into portals for self-discovery and joy. And Karen shares how letting go of the

need for excellence, open unexpected doors to joy and community, and even becomes a potential

spiritual practice. She reveals why activities like pottery or surfing

...