Have you ever wondered whether it’s worth having a hobby you pursue outside of work?
I used to ask myself that same question, because I work a standard nine-to-five job in a corporation, yet I also have this sort of “itch” within me. I love using my creativity in different pursuits. Of course, they take up a fair amount of my free time. I write books (I’ve got two under my belt, and a third on the way), and I paint abstract art. Sometimes I catch myself asking whether it all makes sense—why do I do it? After all, I’m not in it for financial gains, and I often spend more than I earn. Even so, I’m tremendously grateful whenever one of my books sells, or a painting—be it only once a month.
Still, the question lingers: is it worth having such interests beyond one’s regular job?
I pondered this for quite some time—on my first, second, third, even fifth walk, and over countless cups of coffee. Finally, I reached the conclusion that it might indeed be worth it. Here are a few reasons why I believe in the transformative power of creative and brain-stimulating hobbies:
Firstly, having creative hobbies is a great way to step back from the everyday routine. Corporate work can be quite repetitive, and having hobbies “on the side” provides something extra to focus on, helping to rewire your brain in a different direction and disconnect from the usual. I believe the opportunity to focus on something completely different is brilliant for breaking free from routine, giving your mind a chance to rest, and growing in new directions. It’s also a constructive and fulfilling way to spend your free time.
Secondly, if your interests are creative in nature (as mine are), it’s a fantastic avenue for exercising your creative thinking. I once wrote that creativity is like a muscle: it grows stronger the more you use it. By writing books—even if it’s just 30 minutes a day—you expand your vocabulary, develop your intuition, and practise problem-solving skills. All of that then spills over into other areas of life.
Thirdly, a creative hobby fosters a creative mindset in everyday life and at work. As I mentioned, it’s not just about inventing plots for books or painting images; it’s also about learning how to overcome challenges in various ways. This creative energy can be a tremendous help in life, and it might make you more effective and engaged in the corporate world, too.
Fourthly, creative expression and creating “for oneself” are deeply intuitive. When you start creating something from nothing, you realise just how strong your intuition is. At the beginning of a project – whether it’s a painting or a story I’m writing – I don’t have a complete plan or a fully formed idea of what it will become. I simply feel the desire to create. This process helps me understand that creativity and intuition are intrinsically linked and that creative expression is, at its core, highly intuitive.
I dare say that by following your creativity, you also strengthen your intuition. This is because intuition plays a vital role in the creative process. Thus, it’s fair to say that embracing your creative abilities, talents, and even those hidden skills you may not have recognised, significantly enhances your intuition.
Moreover, this relationship works both ways. By using your intuition and following that subtle “flutter in your stomach,” you also nurture and develop your creativity. I believe that creativity and intuition are like two sisters, holding hands and supporting each other as they grow stronger together.
Fifthly, (and that's my favourite) if what you produce has a positive impact on even just one person, it’s already worthwhile. Imagine that a book you wrote lifts someone’s spirits, or a painting you created ends up on someone’s wall and brings them joy. In my opinion, that’s immensely valuable.
Here, I’m sharing examples related to myself and my hobbies. But imagine that your passion is baking cakes. Picture how your hobby could bring joy to someone, even just once—perhaps lifting their spirits or creating a recipe so amazing it becomes a cherished favourite among friends. That recipe might circulate within your social circle as a delightful reminder of shared, special moments.
Sometimes it’s the little things, the smallest gestures, that can have the greatest impact on the world around us. If what you do, even in the smallest way, brings something positive into the lives of others, then it is undoubtedly worth doing.
I believe we each have some calling to share what we do best, and it doesn’t need to be a part of your standard nine-to-five. Depending on your beliefs, you might say that this calling, or urge to create, is something bigger—a link to the universe, if you like.
Through our gifts and talents, which we receive and develop, we also affect society and the energy around us. If anything you make or do—be it writing, painting, or something else—helps even a single person feel better, that by itself has real value. In this way, we all contribute to creating a more beautiful world.
These are the reasons I believe pursuing your passions—even purely as hobbies, without specific gains —makes a lot of sense. I strongly encourage you to seek out new interests in the year ahead. Even if you’re not sure where to start, simply try different things. Feel free to drop by my creativity blog as well. Until then, I wish you plenty of fresh ideas and hope you’ll harness your unique strengths and talents—even those that may seem unremarkable at first glance.
They could turn out to be a wonderful way of helping others, building a sense of community, and growing your creativities, creative thinking, intuition, and problem-solving skills all at once—showcasing the benefits of creative and brain-stimulating hobbies. Cheers!
Cheers!
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