Increase Your Confidence by Picking Up a New Hobby

Have you ever met up with a friend who you haven’t seen in a while and feel like there’s something just a little bit different about her? Maybe she’s speaking more confidently, holding her head a little higher, or just smiling more. She’s radiating this new confidence you hadn’t noticed before. You spend a few minutes trying to figure out what it is that’s making you see your friend in this new light.

You’re excited and happy for her, but what could it be? As far as you know, she’s not pregnant and not in a new relationship. Once you ask her, she proceeds to tell you all about the new dance classes she’s taking-- learning to salsa at the local dance studio twice a week! She goes on for the next 10 minutes to tell you how much fun it’s been to learn to dance, to be active in a new way, and to simply try something new. When you get home afterward, you tell your partner, “She’s doing so well; she just seems so happy.”

Miraculous! By simply picking up a new hobby, your friend seems to ooze confidence and positivity in a new way. But how can this be?

I’m 100% convinced that anyone can increase their confidence by picking up a new hobby.

As children, our parents constantly take us to extracurricular activities. Soccer practice on Monday, swim team on Tuesday, art class on Wednesday, and summer camp every year for 2 weeks. As kids, we are constantly trying new things, figuring out what we enjoy, and practicing until we feel confident performing in the big game, recital, or tournament. But, as adults, this goes away. So many of the women I work with haven’t picked up a new hobby since they were teenagers.

I’d argue that you can immediately improve your confidence, productivity, and positivity all by trying a new hobby. One of my dear friends put this tip into practice in early 2020 by trying indoor rock climbing for the first time, and here is how her experience unfolded:

“I was in search of a new hobby and thought I would give indoor climbing a try. The gym nearby is entirely bouldering, which means no rope or harness. For me, this was incredibly intimidating. It was challenging, both mentally and physically, because I did not want everyone around to see me fail and I had to learn to fully trust myself. After conquering my fears through the encouragement of others and lots of practice, I eventually grew to really enjoy it. It got me active and out of my comfort zone.”

Through rock climbing, my friend found a renewed sense of boldness, confidence, and zest for life. She tried something new that seemed difficult at first, and she found a way to have fun with it, all with encouragement from others.

So why can’t you do the same?

If you’ve been feeling “stuck” or missing the confidence you know you once had, it’s time to pick up a new hobby. I like to suggest hobbies that get your body moving and releasing endorphins, although a hobby doesn’t have to be physical. Photography, gardening, painting, graphic design, and playing guitar are all examples of non-physical hobbies. The point is to pick something new and push yourself to show up and make progress with it. 

As for me? I’m starting a new kickboxing program this month!

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