4 Tips for Sticking With a New Hobby

While most places are starting to come out of quarantine in light of COVID-19, life is now about adjusting to a “new normal”. You might not be able to enjoy some of the same things you once did, at least until the threat of the virus has completely passed. 

So, while you may have made the most of your time in quarantine, it might be time to start thinking about different hobbies to stick with now. 

Unfortunately, far too many people start something new with the best of intentions, only to give up on it a short time later. In fact, the average “lifespan” of a hobby is about 16 months. 

With that in mind, what can you do if you’re interested in a new hobby, but you also want to dedicate yourself and stick with it? Thankfully, there are several ways in which you can turn hobbies into habits. Let’s take a look at a few tips you can put into practice to make the most of your new hobby/hobbies. 

1. Make a List of Your Dreams

This might sound a bit cliche, but actually writing out a physical list of everything you’ve ever wanted to try can be a great start in narrowing down the habits you’ll stick with. It’s also important to determine which of those things are feasible. 

For example, some people might consider becoming a volunteer firefighter a habit. But, that takes a lot of time, dedication, training, and familiarizing yourself with Fire Fighting Equipment. If something like that is truly what you want to do, then it should be at the top of your list. 

But, it can be a good idea to start with something smaller, like “treasure hunting” with a metal detector. Don’t be afraid to write down even the smallest of ideas, no matter how silly they might seem to others. Remember, your hobbies are about what interests you, not anyone else. 

2. Think About the Results

One of the biggest reasons people give up on a hobby after a short period of time is because there are either no goals attached to it or they can’t visualize the end result. While a hobby doesn’t have to “end,” there should be markers along the way that keep you motivated. 

Let’s use the metal detecting example once more. Before you even start, you should consider all of the things you might find, or even make a list of things you want to find. Of course, it’s important to be reasonable, but that gives you goals to work toward and something that will keep you excited to go metal detecting again and again. 

This mindset can be used for just about any hobby. If you want to learn to cook, have a specific dish in mind that you want to perfect. If your new hobby is sewing, think about something you want to create, etc. 

3. Find Someone to Start It With You

People tend to stick with things more frequently if they are held accountable. While a hobby shouldn’t be something you feel “forced” into doing, if you have a knack for backing out of things, why not find a friend to do that hobby with you? 

This is a strategy that’s often used when people want to stick with something like exercise. Having a partner or a built-in support system can help you to stay motivated and remind you why you started that hobby in the first place. Plus, everything is always more fun when you have a friend who shares the same passions that you do. 

4. Understand It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

As stated above, it’s important to remember when you start a hobby that you’re doing it for yourself. It doesn’t have to be something that anyone else even knows about, if you want to keep it that way. 

But, it’s also important to remember that whatever you do doesn’t have to be perfect. If you have goals attached to your hobby, that’s great. But, be flexible in the way you approach and reach those goals. A hobby is meant to be fun. It is meant to be something that enriches you, relaxes you, and helps you to learn something new. It shouldn’t feel like a chore or something stressful. 

So, let go of the idea of perfection when it comes to the hobby you want to stick with. When you relax and learn to enjoy the experience, rather than the destination, you’ll be more likely to enjoy your hobby and continue on with it for a long time.