How to Find a Hobby
A truth.
When you pick up a new hobby, you’re not going to be good right away. In fact, you’ll probably be bad.
But being bad is good.
It means you’re trying. It means you’re opening yourself up to learning a new skill and having a new experience.
Embrace being bad and enjoy the fun process of doing something new. As you go, celebrate your small wins along the way.
It’s a journey.
There is no end destination.
Hobbies aren’t something you complete. They wouldn’t be called hobbies, then — they’d be tasks. You can complete milestones or challenges within a hobby: crocheting a new sweater or learning a new dance choreography. But there’s always more to string towards.
That’s the beautiful part. There is no finish line.
The Hobby Journey
An informal breakdown of what finding a hobby looks like. You’ve already started so here’s a chance to see what’s ahead.
Exploring
At this stage, you’re learning about different hobbies that interest you. You might be reading or watching videos online. Talking to friends. Opening yourself up to the idea of picking up a new hobby.
Trying
Now, you found one or a few hobbies that sound interesting so you dive in and test them out. You might stink at one (or most of them) and you remember the ones you liked and the ones you didn’t.
Committing
After some trial and error, you’ve found the one hobby that keeps you coming back. All the other ones fall to the wayside. Welcome to your hobby, keep at it!
Let’s talk some other do’s and don’ts.
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When you start out, you won’t have the best equipment or the coolest looking gear. You’re the new kid on the block, you’re going to have beginner gear and look a little silly.
Does it work? Yes. That’s all that matters.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying the latest, greatest, and most expensive equipment and tools when you’re just starting out. First of all, that’s wasteful and our dear planet needs less waste. Two, save yourself the money. Go with what works and is reputable. If it sticks, then explore getting nicer equipment.
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You might win a game of pool or get first in a dance contest. But winning shouldn’t be the goal of your hobby.
You can get really good or even become an expert at it.
But let go of the idea that a hobby is something you’ll win and conquer.
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You’re never alone in a hobby. There’s always somebody somewhere doing it as well, and they’re usually closer than you think.
But finding your people within a hobby takes time. Everybody has different skill levels and commitment. Plus, finding the people who you like spending time with, online or offline, will take a bit.
As long as you keep at the hobby and put yourself out there, it’s only a matter of time.