According to a 2009 study, there is a direct correlation between leisure activities such as hobbies and lower blood pressure, lower levels of depression, lower levels of stress, as well as better psychological and physical functioning.
What’s more, hobbies can kick-start your creativity, help you look at problems in a different way, and provide some much-needed escapism from reality.
But despite these far-reaching benefits, it can be difficult staying motivated, especially since human attention spans are now shorter than goldfish due to today’s increasingly digitalised lifestyle.
With this in mind, here are five ways to stay motivated with your new found hobby.
- Establish a dedicated space
From painting watercolours to playing guitar, several popular hobbies require a fair bit of room or make lots of noise. While this is enough of a reason on its own to establish a dedicated space, you’ll also benefit from a greater sense of motivation.
After all, with a spare room or garden shed devoted to your hobby, you’ll be much more willing to spend time there and focus on the task in hand.
- Create a schedule
It is fair to say that your enjoyment of a hobby or expertise in a particular pastime will increase over time. Therefore, it makes sense to schedule a specific time or day for your hobby so that your mind gets used to practicing.
Chances are that after a while you won’t need much motivation, as your hobby will have become a habit.
- Take it one step at a time
Unless you’re an absolute natural or were born with an innate talent for your hobby, you probably won’t be a proficient professional straightaway. This is why its important to take it one step at a time.
New or novel tasks can feel overwhelming at first. If you try to run before you can walk, you’ll probably get frustrated or lose interest quickly. Be realistic with your progression and accept the fact it should be a marathon, not a sprint.
- Set yourself achievable goals
One of the best ways to stay motivated with anything in life is to work towards an achievable and fulfilling goal. No matter whether its knitting your first hat or replacing a headlight bulb on your car, you’re bound to feel a great sense of achievement that encourages you to keep going.
You can even turn your hobby goals into tangible rewards, such as going out for dinner after you’ve sold your first piece of bespoke furniture. Let others reap the rewards of your achievements for even more inspiration.
- Find others with the same hobby
Finding strength in numbers is an excellent way to avoid feelings of lethargy towards your hobby. So, make friends and socialise with people who share the same interests as you to boost your motivation levels.
More often than not, they’ll be other people who have been in your position and can offer advice on how to overcome apathy. They may even show you a new way of approaching or experiencing your hobby that spikes your interest even more.