Day 5: 5 Hobbies I've Picked Up That Align With My Goals

Over the past few years, I've consistently encountered a word that promises to unlock our hidden potential and improve our lives: "habits."

This term, "habits," has been a buzzword, and while I didn't finish reading all of "Atomic Habits," I can admit that it didn't resonate with me in terms of the motivation to embrace new habits.

Certainly, we all aspire to become better individuals, there's no doubt about that. However, deep down, if you despise something and can't find a more compelling way to spend your time, it's unlikely that you'll ever change.

For instance, if your go-to pastime is drinking alcohol, it might be challenging to replace it until you stumble upon something more exciting.

This is why I've decided to prioritize adopting new hobbies in my life. I firmly believe that habits will naturally form as long as I make productive and enjoyable use of my free time. If life feels like play, I'm confident I'll reap the rewards and learn new skills along the way.

Today, I want to share five enjoyable hobbies I've recently embraced to help me stay on course during my transformation:

Hobby 1: Outdoor Adventures

This is, without a doubt, the most fulfilling hobby on my list. Spending time outdoors brings me immense joy, and it doesn't feel like exercise at all. I recently went on an hour-long hike and was astonished to realize that I had burned off hundreds of calories! I've also acquired new skills such as fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and even have a backpacking trip planned with friends.

Hobby 2: Daily Reading and Writing

As a child, I despised reading and book reports, but I've come to understand that they were designed to be challenging. Why? Because you should engage in activities you dislike. Since I adopted this hobby, my critical thinking abilities have improved, my vocabulary has expanded, and I've reinforced my "finish what you start" mindset.

Hobby 3: Sports League

I joined an intramural sports league through my church. What better way to connect with like-minded individuals who want to engage in productive and enjoyable activities than by joining a sports team? It's also an excellent way to build a supportive community of friends and acquire some fun skills.

Hobby 4: Microsoft Excel

Bear with me here; I know this isn't the most glamorous choice, but Microsoft Excel is a tool that underpins the operations of countless companies in America. Learning Excel is an invaluable skill, and there are numerous free online courses and YouTube tutorials available. Personally, I've enrolled in a class at a local community college to gain some formal recognition. Not only am I mastering the program and applying it to my career, but I'm also honing my attention to detail.

Hobby 5: Fantasy Football

This one is just too much fun to omit. Fantasy football is a whole new level of enjoyment. Have you ever delved into an in-depth report on an NFL wide receiver's combine statistics, even from as far back as 2016? If you're a competitive fantasy sports enthusiast, that will certainly resonate with you. I've built a sense of community in a new town and strengthened bonds with friends back home through our shared fantasy football experiences. Plus, it sharpens your ability to engage in playful banter and keeps your wit sharp, especially during draft day. Additionally, watching NFL football becomes even more thrilling when you're involved in fantasy football.

These are the hobbies I've recently taken up. What hobbies do you think would be effective in helping you stay focused on your goals?