Do you want to start a new hobby, but you aren’t sure how to go about choosing one? The first step in figuring out how to choose a hobby is to brainstorm ideas. There are endless options available, so ask yourself some questions to get your brainwaves flowing in that direction.
TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Is there something that evokes a childhood memory or tradition? What are some of your best memories of growing up? Did they revolve around a hobby? Is that something that you could re-learn and pass on to the next generation? My grandpa was always taking photos. At the time, it drove me crazy! But now, I am so grateful that I now have all of those photos to look at and reminisce over. Why not learn photography so you can capture those special moments in your family’s life?
Take a trip to a local assisted living home and talk with residents about what they would love to see the next generation carry on. Ask members of the previous generation to pass their knowledge along to you. Many craft and hobby stores also have displays of completed projects to spark possibilities.
There is a vast range of time commitments among different hobbies. Think not only about how much time you will be committing, but how much time you will have available at each sitting. For example, if you choose painting, take into consideration the time required to set up, clean your space and take down as well. Other hobbies may require many steps and time within each step for drying, etc.
ACQUIRING SUPPLIES FOR YOUR NEW HOBBY
Choosing a new hobby will require an investment of time, but resources as well. It is best to set a budget before you begin shopping for supplies. This might also help you make a final decision if you have narrowed your choices, but are toggling between a couple of hobbies.
Do you have any supplies that you will need already on hand? It’s always a good idea to check out your local thrift stores and social media markets to see if someone else’s discards can become your treasure! This is especially helpful if you aren’t 100% committed to this hobby yet but you would like to try it out first. If you find that choosing this hobby is something that feels right for you, you can then go out and invest in better quality materials. And if it doesn’t work out like you had hoped, you aren’t out as much money.
WAYS TO LEARN YOUR NEW HOBBY
If you are able to go to a craft store to help you choose a hobby, look to see if they offer classes. A hands-on class will be a great way to learn your new skill! This is a good way to meet others with the same interests within your community. If you aren’t able to attend an in-person class, there is a vast array of blogging websites that can teach you as well. Quite often, I will pull up a video if I am learning a new crochet stitch. It is really nice to be able to press play, pause and complete that step, play the next section, complete that section, etc.
Please share some suggestions of hobbies below so we can all benefit from your creative mind! Also, if gardening is a hobby that you are considering, please visit my blog titled Garden Design Made Simple.
Enjoy your new hobby!
Leah