Intentional Hobbies as an adult: How to start a hobby as an adult

Dear Sweet Friends,

Take a moment and venture back to your childhood. Do you recall the hobbies that brought you the ultimate joy, and you couldn’t get enough? Maybe it was reading comic books, roller skating, or scrapbooking. Regardless of what it was, nothing would get in your way of partaking in your hobby.

But as time passed and adulthood entered, with it came more responsibilities, and soon, those childhood joys faded into a distant memory. I’m here to tell you it’s always possible to restart or start a hobby that brings you joy. Although we may have less free time, we can still reclaim this aspect of our childhood. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of intentional hobbies as an adult and discover how to start a hobby as an adult.

What are Intentional Hobbies?

Intentional hobbies are not just mindless pastimes or fleeting interests. They are pursuits that we consciously choose to engage in, knowing that they bring us joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. Unlike idle distractions, intentional hobbies are activities we intentionally set aside time for, prioritize and invest our energy into. They contribute to our personal growth, help us relax and unwind, and allow us to express ourselves creatively.

How to Pursue Intentional Hobbies as an Adult

There are many ways you can either start or restart a hobby as an adult. Let’s explore a few ways:

1) Unveiling Your Passions

The first step towards pursuing intentional hobbies is discovering what ignites your soul. Ask yourself: What truly makes you come alive? What activities make time fly by? What brings you joy, even if only done for a few minutes? Take a moment to reflect on the things you enjoyed doing as a child, the subjects you’re curious about, the interests that fascinate you, and the activities that bring a smile to your face.

Engaging in this reflection practice and answering these prompts may help you discover or rediscover at least one hobby that may spark your interest and joy. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, writing, or any other pursuit, identifying your passions is the key to unlocking a world of intentional hobbies. Remember to keep an open mind and be willing to explore new avenues. Try different activities, attend workshops, read books, or talk to people with similar interests. The key is to remain curious and embrace the journey of self-discovery.

2) Carving Out Time

Life can often get hectic, and time is a precious commodity. Finding time for intentional hobbies can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Evaluate your daily schedule and identify times you can dedicate to your intentional hobbies. You can balance your responsibilities and passions by prioritizing and managing your time effectively. For me, the end of the day is the best time because it allows me to wind down before bed, but for you, it may be early morning, lunch breaks, certain evenings, or weekends.

If you have trouble carving out time because your schedule is full, it is okay to reprioritize, delegate or put on hold certain tasks that are not urgent or important. It’s okay to ask for assistance from loved ones to help you carve out time. Even if it’s only 10-30 minutes in the beginning, that is ten more minutes of added joy and intentional self-care in your day. Intentional hobbies are not just another item on your to-do list. They are valuable activities that can add another dimension to a life that may seem mundane and bring joy and fulfillment.

3) Sweet Retreat

Now this step isn’t necessary but can add to the fun of partaking in your hobbies, especially if you are rediscovering a hobby from childhood. Depending on your hobby, consider fully immersing yourself by creating a dedicated space for it. It can be as simple as a cozy corner in your living room, a small desk in your bedroom, or a spot in your garden.

Personalize it with items that reflect your interests and values. Surround yourself with tools, materials, and resources that support your hobby. Having a designated space makes prioritizing and making time for your hobbies easier. This space will help signal to your brain that it’s time to focus on your hobby, allowing you to enter a state of flow and concentration more easily.

4) Sharing Your Journey

Connecting with others through sharing your hobby journey is one of the beautiful aspects of intentional hobbies. Consider engaging with people online, such as through personal blogs, online forums, and social media, or offline with friends, family, or local clubs. This allows you to connect with fellow enthusiasts and those who can provide support, encouragement, and feedback. Sharing your hobby contributes to the community’s growth and can enhance your experience and inspire others. It is also okay to make this journey personal and just for your benefit. You can choose not to share in the beginning or at all.

5) Accept Imperfection

This step may be very challenging for some, and I’m here to let you know I understand. Letting go of perfection has also been a struggle for me. Aiming to return to that child-like innocence of just enjoying what you’re doing instead of focusing on producing results will require some work and intentionality. I suggest frequently revisiting why you started pursuing your hobby in the first place and remembering to practice self-compassion along the way. You may want to push yourself to grow, but it should not be at the expense of fun.

Allow yourself to explore and experiment freely, enjoy the process rather than solely focusing on the outcome. Permit yourself to make mistakes. Welcome the learning process, celebrate your achievements, and find that sweet spot where you are challenged but thoroughly enjoy the experience.

6) Embrace Learning and Exploring

Engaging in intentional hobbies provides an opportunity to pursue what you know and expand your knowledge and skills. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new techniques, experiment with different styles, or explore related areas of interest. Embrace a continuous learning mindset and seek opportunities to grow within your chosen hobby. Attend workshops, take classes, join online communities, or find mentors to guide and inspire you. This step will keep your hobby exciting and fresh and opens up opportunities for personal growth and creativity. Being curious will help you expand your skills, keep your hobby dynamic, and ensures that you are always engaged and challenged.

7) Setting Clear Goals

Last but not least, add your hobby to your list of goals. This step is meant to motivate and keep you consistent. It is not meant as another source of pressure to produce a result, but rather it helps you prioritize, stay on track with an activity that will infuse joy into your daily routine. Goals can provide direction and purpose and give you something to work towards.

First, you want to set clear goals. Next, break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones and track your progress. Setting goals helps you stay focused, motivated, and committed to your hobby. As you reach each milestone, remember to celebrate. Celebrating each milestone helps you to acknowledge how far you’ve come as you move closer to realizing your hobby’s full potential.

Last Sweet Words

Life can be a magnificent journey filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth. In a world full of distractions and obligations, intentional hobbies provide a sanctuary to pursue the passions that bring us joy and fulfillment. By infusing intentionality into our hobbies, we can unlock a world of personal growth, creativity, and enrichment for our souls. Remember, your hobbies reflect who you are and what brings you alive. So, take that first step today. Dust off those dance shoes, pick up that pencil, or grab that gardening tool. Remember to follow your passions with purpose and let your intentional hobbies sweeten your life!

Let us know in the Comments, what hobbies do you plan are pursuing?