Most weeks I work about 50 hours, not counting my writing. I only mention this to say that, like many of the people around me, I have just as much right to focus on my work in exclusion to all else.
Still, I believe that life should be about more than work. I believe that people should take time to learn new activities and try new things.
Many people’s argument against trying new things is that there isn’t enough time in each day. Now I don’t know about you, but I personally watch about 10 hours of TV a week. I know that if I ever have to choose between this TV time and trying to hobbies or forming new relationships I’ll cut my TV time in half any day. If you feel pinched for time, I encourage you to do the same. Take that extra time and implement one (or more!) of these six ideas.
1) Learn a marginal sport. These are sports people don’t consider “sports.” Last semester my brother-in-law took a billiards class. He’s taught me a ton of new pool-table games. We try to play weekly. Other marginal sports include chess, bowling, rugby and climbing.
2) Volunteer somewhere. I’ve put a ton of time into the Epilepsy Foundation because my wife has epilepsy. I also volunteer extensively at our church. Find a cause that motivates you and then an organisation that fits that cause. Many organizations need skills (design, writing, programming) as much as they need bodies in the office.
3) Study a subject you love (that’s not related to your job). Think back to what you enjoyed in high school or college. I would like to learn Spanish, and possibly brush up on my Latin.
4) Do stuff with other people. My wife and I regularly host dinner with other couples at our house, or eat at another couple’s place. Our favorite experience was showing our wedding video after dinner. And it’s OK if you’re not the “eating with friends” type. Go bowling or play cards together.
5) Collect something out-of-the-ordinary. I’m partial to fedoras. I wear a black fedora almost everywhere during the seasons of Fall and Winter. I recently decided to collect antique and vintage fedoras.
6) Never feel guilty. Growing up, my dad worked 40+ hours a week and then came home at nights and worked in the garden or garage until dark. Our family spent Saturdays cleaning house and doing yard work. I adopted a work ethic so strong that I felt guilty if I was doing something constructive (no — I don’t blame my parents). I had to learn to tone down my work ethic. This is why I play pool. It teaches me no life skills. It won’t make me money one day. But that’s OK. It relaxes me and gives me time with my brother.
For me, that’s a win. And I don’t feel guilty one bit.
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Got tips of your own? Post in the comment section below.
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Connect with me on Twitter, or email me at colbystream@gmail.com
