Rekindle Your Childhood Passions/ Interests

Why do we give up on our hobbies/ interests/ passions that we might have even been really good at as children, as we grow up? Strangely somehow, higher studies (especially the ominous ‘post Board Exams’ phase) signal the silent, gradual and almost innocuous fading away of such interests. When we embark on our professional careers it’s almost a death knell sounded on them without us even realizing it, sadly enough.

While am sure that most of us are really passionate about our jobs and the work we do professionally, and that’s great, the existence of non-work related talents need not be mutually exclusive. In a recent team meeting, during one of our casual fun sessions we realized how many amongst us had stopped pursuing our interests in sports, singing, dancing…even martial arts! Am sure many of you can identify with this, right?

That said, I do know some really courageous friends who have given up successful corporate careers to pursue their interests full time, and while not everyone can afford that, if you ask me it is not even required. The joy of pursuing a passion or interest alongside your profession, adds oodles of value to your mental well-being, physical energy and happiness quotient….rejuvenating you, uplifting you spiritually and believe it or not, even propelling you towards excellence in your professional pursuits! Pursuing a hobby to levels of excellence, sharpens your ability to focus, plan, learn, adapt, connect more meaningfully with others and most importantly your own self…all of which are invaluable life skills.

So if you are one of those who have buried their interests/ talent deep under your successful corporate career, go back and rekindle it…..and let the magic unfold!

If you are wondering how to make a beginning or restart, here are some tips to consider:

• Allocate time to get back to your interest area (atleast an hour or 2 over the weekend to start with), and preferably as per a fixed schedule, as consistency is going to be key to make it stick
• Identify a mode of learning/ practicing the hobby in a structured manner to bring you upto speed with the current day i.e. enroll yourself into a coaching class/ school or you could even explore virtual learning avenues (there are plenty of options out there these days - YouTube/ FB/ Instagram)
• Identify an accountability partner - a friend/ colleague/ partner who keeps checking on your progress, so that if you slacken, you are goaded to go back to it
• Share your progress with like-minded souls (friends/ family who appreciate your passion) and keep strengthening your pursuit with their feedback

So what are you waiting for? Pick up those dancing shoes….. or colours & brushes….. or your favourite song’s karaoke track and get started! ??

If this article triggered a thought, and if you can relate to what has been shared or even add to the tips suggested, pls do share your comments….would love to hear from you!