Transform Your Life by Choosing Meaningful Hobbies
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Chapter 1: The Impact of Hobbies on Your Life
Selecting the right hobbies can profoundly alter your life path.
Writing advice can often be boiled down to two essential principles: Write frequently and read regularly.
I have always found writing to be an effortless pursuit, having engaged in it from a young age. My childhood was filled with short stories and poetry, and I filled countless notebooks with my creative thoughts. One of my happiest memories involves being lost in the world of pen and paper. By the time I reached fourteen, I had completed a full-length fantasy novel not once, but twice—thanks to a computer mishap that forced me to rewrite the entire story from memory. Writing has always felt like a natural extension of myself.
Reading, however, presented a different challenge. My passion for writing overshadowed my interest in reading. I rarely finished books or engaged with lengthy texts, which I recognized as a significant drawback. Establishing a regular reading habit is crucial for honing writing skills, yet I struggled to summon the motivation to read consistently.
As I entered my late teens, I resolved to change my approach. If I wanted to pursue a career as a writer, I had to acknowledge the reality: neglecting my reading habits would jeopardize my ambitions. But how does one cultivate an interest in a hobby that doesn't come naturally?
Section 1.1: Passive vs. Active Hobbies
I was an avid gamer, spending countless hours immersed in titles like Halo 2, Zelda, and Call of Duty. While gaming isn't inherently negative, it became a passive endeavor for me. I could easily lose track of time during gaming sessions, which led to a lack of engagement with more enriching activities.
Passive hobbies, like gaming or scrolling through social media, can trick your mind into a state of inertia. Once you start, it's challenging to stop because the instant gratification keeps you hooked. To embrace reading, I needed to create intentional habits and limit my access to these passive distractions.
Active hobbies, in contrast, involve effort and engagement. Activities like running, writing, and cooking require focus and intention, leading to a more fulfilling experience. They also tend to offer greater meaning in our lives compared to passive hobbies. However, transitioning from passive to active pursuits can initially feel uncomfortable.
Subsection 1.1.1: Finding Joy in Challenges
I began my journey by substituting social media scrolling with reading blogs. Through this process, I discovered engaging writers like Jedidiah Jenkins and Tynan, who captivated me with their travel narratives. As I grew comfortable with shorter blog posts, I gradually progressed to longer reads, ultimately tackling full-length books. Each completed book instilled a sense of achievement, propelling me to challenge myself further.
When I relocated to Austin in 2014, I made a conscious decision to leave my gaming console behind. The initial months were lonely, but this absence pushed me to seek social connections. I stumbled upon a quaint used bookstore nearby, which became a treasure trove of new reads. The more I read, the more my appreciation for literature flourished.
Eight years later, reading has become one of my most cherished activities. I now devour 1-3 books monthly, and I attribute my improved writing skills to this habit. While reading still requires focus, it has transformed from a chore into something I eagerly anticipate.
Section 1.2: Embracing a Life of Active Hobbies
I have no regrets about parting ways with video games. By replacing a passive pastime with an active one, I've discovered the transformative power of being selective with my hobbies. You too can exchange fleeting dopamine hits from passive activities for fulfilling, long-term pursuits.
My wife, Sarabeth, and I have chosen to live without a television, opting instead for intentional media consumption. If we want to watch something, we either need to borrow a computer or head to the cinema, making our viewing experiences purposeful rather than habitual. Similarly, I've minimized my social media presence to avoid the temptation of mindless scrolling, choosing instead to dedicate my time to writing and reading.
Returning to the Struggles of New Hobbies
At present, I'm in the early stages of adopting another active hobby: long-distance running. Admittedly, I'm not great at it yet, and the experience is often uncomfortable. Running demands full-body engagement and can feel overwhelming, especially for someone like me who isn't accustomed to it.
Despite my initial aversion to running without a specific goal, I've been inspired by writers who cherish it as a meaningful hobby. They utilize running for contemplation, exercise, and community building. I want to join them, but I know I must first endure the growing pains of this new venture.
As I log more miles, I find the initial discomfort diminishing. My endurance is improving, and with it, my enjoyment of the activity grows.
Active hobbies yield long-lasting benefits that far outweigh the fleeting pleasure of passive ones. While passive activities might provide immediate gratification, they often lack substantial long-term rewards. Engaging in hobbies like running contributes to better health and happiness, enhancing one's overall quality of life.
Ultimately, the hobbies you choose can significantly influence your life trajectory. The most accessible hobbies may not always offer the deepest fulfillment. Embracing challenges can lead to joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Consider the freedom that comes with recognizing your ability to choose your hobbies. What will you achieve once you push through the initial discomfort?
The first video, "If you want to make or break a habit -- do this!" explores practical strategies for habit formation and transformation.
The second video, "How to Break Unwanted Habits and How to Create New Desired Ones with Adam Grant and Wendy Wood," delves into effective methods for changing habits and fostering new, positive behaviors.
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