One would think that if we are interested in drawing, reading, photography, sports, cooking or any other enjoyable activity, practicing it on a regular basis would take little to no effort. After all, we already like doing them so it should be easy, right? ... NOPE.
I have found (through many years of exploring all sorts of new hobbies--from painting, to swimming, to learning new languages, to crochet) that seriously adopting a new hobby is no easy task.
Starting from the horror of adding one more time commitment to our crowded schedules, continuing with the painful process of hit-and-miss when you begin, and the endless questions that come up in the process, new hobbies can be a pain in the butt. However, once you get in the groove of things, it's easy to rediscover the joy that the thing brings you. After that moment, there is virtually no force that could convince you to leave it.
This funny pattern that I have noticed every time I take interest in a new activity is what inspired me to write a list of "stages" that will hopefully help you take the plunge and give that thing you've been wanting to try a chance to become you new favorite hobby. Here they are...
THE (TRUE) STAGES OF STARTING A NEW HOBBY:
1) That is so cool! I'm totally going to do it!
The honeymoon phase.
Everything seems amazing. You saw someone do it on a Buzzfeed video and it looked super easy!
I bet you could totally do it and even add your own twist to it.
You have basically found a new "backup" career plan as a master of this craft.
2) Eh, maybe I'll start next Monday...
With class in the morning, another group project you'll basically have to do by yourself, the gym, work, getting groceries, that band's concert o Saturday, and the weekend plans you've had for over 2 weeks now, who has time to add one more thing to the TO-DO list?
Nope. Free time is a precious resource only to be spent on Netflix and snacks. Learning this new hobby can wait until the summer... or the next time you run out of things to watch.
3) Okay. This is it. I'm going to be the queen of <insert hobby here>.
You have finally gotten some time to spare and tackle this new hobby at full-speed.
Supplies? Ready. DIY guides? Ready. Pinterest board for inspiration? Ready. Caption for first IG post about this process? Ready.
There is nothing that can stop you now.
4) HOW THE HECK DO PEOPLE DO THIS FOR FUN?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
First time doing this and already had to start over 5 times?
No thank you.
5) What a masterpiece!
There it is. Just as you ambitioned it.
Looks like you're getting pretty good at this!
After all, it wasn't so hard, was it?
There is nothing like the feeling of successfully doing something you like. This is what new hobbies are all about--expanding our routines, making us take unexpected turns, and (most importantly) giving us something to feel proud about.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO TRY NEXT?