Stop Guessing Your Hobbies: A 12 Step Guide To Finding What You’ll Stick With

Choosing a hobby may appear to be an easy process when in reality it has the potential to become something that you would rather avoid. A bad choice for a hobby will generally fade away, and will collect dust along with your interest/motivation. Many times what is overlooked is that hobbies are long-term commitments of both your time and your energy as well as an ongoing relationship with who you are.

Here are some baseline considerations for finding a hobby that could save you from a lot of frustration and waste your efforts on something that never gives you the results you want. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about having a hobby that aligns with your values, and has enough momentum for you to have real enthusiasm for it.

Start With Your Energy, Not Your Interests

You’ve probably already started with “what do I enjoy” rather than “when am I most energized”. It’s much easier to find something you’ll continue doing if it aligns with your energy levels.

Some activities require high amounts of concentration (e.g., drawing). Other hobbies call upon physical energy (e.g., hiking). Still, other hobbies require you to be emotionally open (e.g., acting).

When are you most focused? When are you at rest?

Finding something you can maintain based on your normal flow of energy eliminates many possible mistakes.

Observe What You Already Do Without Thinking

You’re likely doing some of these activities on a regular basis without even thinking about it. Your daily routine will give you much better insight into what hobbies interest you than any online personality test.

Perhaps you watch tutorial videos, rearrange rooms, repair broken items, or just draw whatever comes to mind. These aren’t coincidences; they’re clues toward things that you already find somewhat natural.

Define Your Desired Outcome Clearly

Some people do things just to relax. Some do them because they like to build their skills. Other people enjoy doing them because it gives them an opportunity to connect with other people. If you don’t define your desired outcome first, you may pick something which is not going to fulfill the needs you have in reality.

Explore The Learning Curve Honestly

All hobbies have an initial learning curve. That’s just the way they are. What really matters is what type of learning curve this is. And for most people, the issue isn’t the size or length of time as much as the degree of difficulty in getting through that initial period.

To get started with your new hobby, research the progression of a beginner. If you don’t like the feeling of being discouraged when you start, then maybe the hobby simply isn’t right for you. That doesn’t mean you can’t find another challenging hobby; it means that you should choose one that has a more acceptable level of initial learning.

Test Before You Commit

Borrowing the right tools, taking that first class or watching some beginner guides can be a great way to test a new hobby without getting locked into a long-term commitment.

For instance, if someone wants to try out biking outdoors they may begin by just going on one or two rides until eventually they are ready to invest in additional accessories such as a bike rack for car. It makes sense to try before you buy.

Pay Attention To Friction Points

There are times when every hobby presents some moment of frustration. The difference between an acceptable inconvenience and one that will frustrate you is the degree to which you notice these moments.

When getting started with a new activity becomes something of a burden, then the “friction” associated with this hobby may begin to create barriers for you. When a hobby doesn’t fit well into your life, it creates unnecessary friction.

Consider The Environment It Requires

Some hobbies are very much dependent on your physical environment. Access to a space, or how loud or quiet an area is, will be important.

You may have seen something that looked like a great idea in theory but could never actually happen with your current environment. So, instead of trying to make something fit into a space where it cannot fit; choose something that can work in the environment you currently have.

Think About Social Or Solo Preference

Be honest with yourself - are you a social person, or do you prefer solitude? There isn’t one correct answer for everyone. Just as there are people who always thrive when they’re by themselves, there are also those who always thrive when they’re around others.

If socializing helps you feel energized then find things to do that typically involve other people. If being by yourself energizes you, choose something to do that allows you to work independently, but also gives you time to be by yourself.

Evaluate Cost Over Time

It’s true that the first price tag for an activity is only one side of the equation. Many hobbies will continue to require funds for supplies (tools), materials, or membership fees.

Take a longer view. The best hobby should be something you can live with economically and do without creating unmanageable anxiety about money.

Allow Yourself To Pivot Without Guilt

Finding an interest or pastime is not a lifelong commitment. If after trying something for some time you still don’t enjoy doing it then don’t be afraid to try something else.

Build A Habit Around The Right One

After you’ve found a hobby that resonates with you, developing a consistent habit around this new hobby will be the next step. Take things slowly and incorporate it into your daily or weekly routines.

Consistency builds trust and familiarity with the hobby. As time passes, instead of feeling like “I need to get back out there,” you’ll start to think of it as something you can always count on.

Stay Curious And Open To Evolution

Keep an open mind about what you are interested in and how your hobbies may need to change through-out your lifetime. A good hobby right now may be completely different at some point down the road. Continue to explore new ideas, learn new skills, and make adjustments. Your goal is not to find one thing that you love and stick to it for the rest of your life. Your goal should be to continue doing things that give you purpose and joy throughout your lifetime.

Avoiding a bad hobby isn’t as much about preventing errors; it’s more to do with knowing who you are. When we go into this process with a sense of curiosity and awareness, we’ll be drawn to things that are a good match for us. These aren’t hard and fast rules. This is a tool to help you make decisions thoughtfully. Your best hobby won’t feel like something you have to do. It’ll be a place where you spend your time wisely and your focus feels fully engaged.