Remember when hobbies weren’t side hustles? We wouldn’t think about profiting from what we love doing in our spare time. Now, our minds blink with inspiration about how to monetize our pet projects. Making money through activities you enjoy adds pressure when tied to mastery. It takes away from the joy of pursuing an activity for pleasure’s sake. Hobbies used to give us freedom to create without worrying about mistakes or improving. There’s this idea that if you’re not sharing or selling, you’re missing out on an opportunity to gain from the experience, whether that’s money, a large following, or a reputation. It’s becoming rare as only a source of enjoyment and fulfillment with no audience. 

The Pressure of Expectations

Is a hobby supposed to be what you’re good at or something you simply love doing? Nowadays, the idea that if it’s not monetizable, it’s pointless, has snuck its way in. Upon curling up with a book, it often occurs to me that I might become a beta reader and devote my efforts to a larger purpose. It hinders the delight of aimless activities that have the potential to expand our minds and relax our brains, taking in the present moment as we allow our curiosity to lead without expecting specific outcomes. We tend to value skills and results rather than the process itself, turning everything into a competition driven by metrics. With this sort of mindset to excel or gain from what we do, it’s not surprising that we start to get discouraged from pursuing or continuing a hobby. 

I used to draw as my creative outlet, and it helped distract me from stress and overwhelm. For me, art is a satisfying hobby– blending two colors when creating a watercolor tulip and feeling proud of the finished piece. Within it lies the potential for me to imprint the emotions inside me onto the canvas as a form of creative expression. Sometimes it results in a wonderful masterpiece, but oftentimes, it winds up a mess. However, I wouldn’t be discouraged because of the imperfections. I understand it as a reflection of me at that captured moment, and whatever I produce is for myself, with no intention of proving anything to anyone. Art gave me contentment and grounded me in my senses, which was enough. While I speculate getting back into it, I hesitate because I overthink its purpose and believe I won’t be good at it. 

Why You Should Have a “Pointless” Hobby

A hobby devoid of a goal allows you to disconnect from these expectations. When no one is watching, you’re more comfortable getting in the zone and making multiple attempts. This state of flow needs to be free from judgment and critique so you can build self-awareness and carry on with no limitations. After all, the point of a hobby is the time you spend on it that’s valuable to you, not what it produces. You can let go and watch where it takes you. Adults need “play time” too, without setting goals or conditions identifying it as a success or waste.

Every single activity we engage in doesn’t have to be practical or churn out extra cash. We should give ourselves grace and set aside intervals to simply be. Create something, play that sport, read that book series– whatever it is, you’re not obligated to share or monetize it. If the hobby brings you joy, that’s plenty of reason to continue with it.

Editor: Shannon Hensley