The Joy of Trying New Hobbies: Find your FLOW
The Joy of Trying New Hobbies: :
Find your FLOW
Have you ever found yourself wanting to try something new but hesitating because you weren’t sure if you’d be good at it?
Or worried that you wouldn’t know where to start, that you’d be judged or on your own?
I’ve been there too.
And here's a MASSIVE truth I’ve discovered—it's not about being great at everything you try, it’s about enjoying the process of exploration and growth.
It’s about letting go of perfectionism and leaning into a new journey.
Because finding new hobbies is a journey that can lead to unexpected joy, creativity, and fulfilment.
It’s about stepping into the unknown, trying something different, and giving yourself the freedom (and permission) to be a beginner all over again.
Why Hobbies Matter
Hobbies aren’t just a way to fill your free time—they’re an essential part of living a balanced and joyful life. Engaging in activities purely for the fun of it allows you to reconnect with your sense of curiosity and wonder.
They can give you a break from the pressures of daily life and work, offering a space where there are no expectations or deadlines.
In my own life, I’ve found that trying new hobbies has opened doors I never expected.
From learning to swim at the age of 53 to attempting handstands, wild swimming, and ice baths, these experiences have challenged me and, more importantly, brought me and others immense joy.
And guess what? You don’t need to be good at them! Just showing up and giving it a go is enough.
It's Never Too Late to Find Your Passion
Here’s an important reminder: the thing you love doing the most
may not have happened yet!
It’s never too late to discover a new passion.
Think about Billy Connolly, who didn’t start painting until his 70s.
What began as a hobby turned into a whole new chapter of his creative career, with his artwork being exhibited worldwide.
Or take Vera Wang, who worked as a journalist and fashion editor until she designed her first wedding dress at 40. Now, she’s one of the most well-known designers in the world.
There are countless stories like this, of people taking up new hobbies or careers later in life and finding incredible success and joy in them.
Age is never a barrier to passion.
Trying Something New Opens You to FLOW
One of the most incredible benefits of trying out new hobbies is how they can open your mind, connect you to a state of FLOW, and even change your life.
Flow is that feeling when you're so immersed in an activity that time seems to disappear. It’s a powerful state of mind where you're fully engaged and at one with the task at hand. And guess what? You don’t have to be an expert to experience it—often, beginners find themselves in flow more easily because they're so focused on learning and trying something new.
Whether it’s painting, hiking, dancing, or playing an instrument, finding something you’re passionate about can unlock a whole new perspective on life.
It can help you become more present, more connected to yourself, and more open to new experiences.
You never know where that new hobby might take you.
It could transform your entire outlook—or it could simply be a fun distraction from the stresses of everyday life. Both are equally valuable.
Let Go of Perfectionism and Enjoy Being a Novice
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be good at a hobby to enjoy it. You just need to be a willing and open-minded participant.
There’s something so liberating about letting go of the pressure to be perfect and embracing the joy of being a novice. You’re free to make mistakes, learn from them, and laugh along the way. That alone can change your view of life and quieten your inner critic.
Share the Journey with Others
One of the best parts of trying new hobbies is sharing that journey with others. Whether it's with friends, family, or even new people you meet along the way, hobbies can be a fantastic way to open up your social life and create deeper connections.
I’ve experienced this firsthand.
From my newly acquired swimming, rafting, and wild expedition journeys to my new-found love of Ecstatic Dance, exploring Non-Duality, and going alcohol-free nearly five years ago, these passions have not only enriched my own life but also brought incredible people into it.
Exploring different areas of wellness and joyful well-being have led to some of the most meaningful connections I’ve ever made. And not just here in the UK but also around the world!
Trying something new with a friend or loved one can strengthen your bond, or it can be an amazing way to meet like-minded people who share your interests.
It’s not just about the hobby—it’s about the community you build around it.
Practical Steps for Finding a New Hobby
Be Open to New Experiences Give yourself permission to try new things without any pressure to excel. Start by exploring activities that spark your curiosity. Is there something you’ve always wanted to try but didn’t think you’d be good at? Now’s the time to give it a go.
Allow Yourself to Be a Beginner Trying something new means stepping into unfamiliar territory. That’s where growth happens! It’s okay to stumble and not have it all figured out. Allow yourself the freedom to be a beginner.
Try Multiple Hobbies You don’t need to find the one perfect hobby right away. Test the waters with different activities—whether it’s painting, rock climbing, axe throwing, photography, or even salsa dancing. The goal is to find something that excites you and makes you want to come back for more.
Join a Community Often, hobbies become even more enjoyable when shared with others. Join a class, group, or club where you can learn alongside like-minded people. Community brings connection and makes the journey more rewarding.
Reflect on What Brings You Joy After trying something new, take a moment to reflect. Did it bring you joy? Did you lose track of time? Hobbies should feel like a natural extension of what excites you—not just another task on the to-do list.
Let Go of Perfection It’s easy to get caught up in the need to "master" a hobby. But hobbies aren’t about perfection; they’re about pleasure, play, and fun. Enjoy the messy, imperfect stages—they’re where the real magic happens.
The Benefits of Exploring New Hobbies
Stress Relief: Hobbies offer a much-needed mental break from the demands of daily life. They provide a space to relax, recharge, and reset.
Increased Creativity: Trying new things can open up pathways of creativity. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or experimenting with new sports, you’ll find that your creative muscles begin to stretch.
Personal Growth: Hobbies allow you to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in new ways. You’ll learn to navigate discomfort and embrace the learning process.
Connection: Through hobbies, you’ll meet new people and connect with a community of others who share your interests.
Joy and Fulfilment: Most importantly, hobbies are a source of joy. They bring pleasure and satisfaction that often spill over into other areas of your life.
Some Inspiration for Your Journey
🎥 Watching Recommendation: "The Happy Secret to Better Work" – In this TED Talk, psychologist Shawn Achor discusses how positive habits, including hobbies, can improve productivity and happiness.
📘 Reading Recommendation: "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book is a fantastic exploration of creativity, fear, and the joy of trying new things just for the sake of it.
🎧 Listening Recommendation: "The Happiness Lab" podcast with Dr. Laurie Santos – This podcast explores how to find joy in daily life and how hobbies can lead to increased happiness and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Remember, life isn’t just about achieving—it’s about exploring, growing, and enjoying the process. Trying new hobbies is one of the best ways to connect with yourself and the world around you.
And never forget, your biggest passion might still be waiting for you. It’s never too late to find it.
My new hobbies are now totally incorporated into my wider life and career. They’re part of who I am and have transformed my world even though I only took them up in the last few years.
So, what’s stopping you? Take a step into the unknown, embrace your curiosity, and have fun with it.
I’d love to hear what hobbies you’re exploring and how they’re enriching your life.
Best,
Hugh
And if you have any recommendations or topics you’d like covered, I’d love to hear from you.
