Hobbies - A Lost Art

Hobbies - A Lost Art

Growing up almost everybody had a hobby. People who could work with their hands made interesting stuff. People who didn’t have the skill to make things with their hands, used their brains. People who loved art painted even if they sucked and nobody saw what they created. People who were creative created a hot looking car or a sculpture or even a board game (that was my specialty).   


Some of the things they created were used by the family. Seeing furniture in your house that you created was extremely rewarding. Riding in that supped up car was a personal thrill. Playing a board game, I created, with my friends made me proud.


One reason people had hobbies (even if it was just reading books) was because they had more time back then. Most jobs were nine to five jobs. Sooo, even if the job you worked at wasn't the thing that gave you palpitations; you had the time after work to focus on your passion.

Today, people have less time. I spent my career in the hi-tech industry. If you left work before 8pm you were called a slacker. People today seek overtime to help give the family more. Some have to work two jobs just to get by. Most married people or even people just living together work at different jobs. Some of those jobs have different shifts leaving one to care for the kids while the other works.

Technology is eating up a lot of people's time. Therefore, there is less time for being creative at a hobby you probably would enjoy more. Too much email. Too much texting. Too much playing games on your tablets. Too much TV. 

I know you're probably thinking: "sooo, why is this bad?" The reason is because you're not using all of the capabilities the Universe has given you. You're not using the creativity inside you. You're not using that fabulous brain in your head. 

To reach a higher level of happiness, I recommend you work less. I know that means you probably won't have a better car, or house, or expensive clothes, or fancy dinners. However, what you will have is more time to enjoy your life.


I also recommend you minimize your addiction to technology. Games on a tablet are neither creative nor rewarding. Games on a tablet or watching TV is an escape not a personal happiness builder. Emailing and/or texting all day may be a good way of communicating, but, is it really serving YOU?

All of these distractions don't come close to the reward you get by taking on a hobby like painting, or making something with your hands, or creating a board game. 

You see, a hobby is something you do for love and happiness. If you make some money at it great, but that's not the reward you should seek. The reason is any time you use money as the motivator, you're not doing a hobby you're doing WORK.

I don't blog, write or mentor for money. If I should get a royalty from my writing - great, but: 

I Do Those Hobbies Because They Make Me Feel Proud And Happy.