Summary

The article discusses strategies for maintaining hobbies amidst a busy schedule, emphasizing the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort.

Abstract

The author, a freelance UX/UI designer with multiple hobbies including writing, illustrating, and playing guitar, shares personal challenges in balancing work with passion projects. Highlighting the mental health benefits of engaging in hobbies, the author suggests that even short, daily periods spent on hobbies can be beneficial. The article advises on the importance of discipline and dedication, noting that talent alone is insufficient for success. It encourages readers to set realistic goals, use social media to connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy the process of honing their skills without focusing solely on immediate results. The author also addresses the rarity of overnight success and the necessity of persistent work to build an audience and achieve long-term aspirations.

Opinions

The author believes that hobbies are crucial for mental well-being and provide a sense of purpose beyond one's job.
It is expressed that even successful individuals, such as the featured illustrator, struggle with motivation and require discipline to pursue their passions.
The author suggests that consistent effort and dedication are key to maintaining hobbies and achieving success in them.
There is a sentiment that people often expect quick success and give up too easily, not realizing the constant work required to excel in one's interests.
The article encourages readers to integrate hobbies into their daily routines, even if it's just for 30 minutes, to keep the passion alive.
The author recommends using social media platforms like Instagram to stay motivated, gain feedback, and find new ideas, which can help maintain a connection to one's hobby.
The author emphasizes that enjoying the journey and the process of improving is more important than focusing on immediate results or success.

How To Keep A Hobby When You Have No Time

Is it just an excuse, or do we really don’t have the time for our hobbies?

Nowadays, I have a problem finding the time for my regular job and hobbies. And not to mention social activities and meeting up with friends.

I am a freelance UX/UI designer, but I am also a writer, an illustrator, and a photographer. In my free time, I read and play guitar.

When I spend a lot of time working, I feel depressed because I don’t have the time and energy to enjoy the things I like doing—for example, writing this blog. Or writing poetry and working on my poetry book that I’ve been planning to publish for years.

My hobbies help me deal with my mental health. I feel fulfilled when I do it and depressed when I don’t. It gives me a sense of purpose beyond work and keeps my stress levels manageable.

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I like to design, but I like all things mentioned above too, and not that I don’t want to, but I can’t give up on anything listed.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and balancing my hobbies and my regular job and achieving a work-life balance.

Here is what I‘ve found so far.

A few days ago, I traveled to my hometown and listened to one of my favorite podcasts. The guest was a very successful illustrator, talking about her career. Even if she is talented and loves to illustrate, she said that sometimes she wakes up and finds it very hard to sit down and do it. She can’t find motivation, she would rather watch movies, eat snacks and be lazy.

But then, she remembers that she is lucky enough to be paid for her dream job, and she kind of feels guilty because many people hate their jobs but must earn a living.

You can’t always find the motivation to work, even if you are lucky enough to do your dream job. Talent is essential, and to love what you do is also crucial, but one thing that we usually forget is — discipline. And the other one is dedication.

To succeed in what you love to do, you have to be dedicated. Talent is not enough. You have to be consistent to achieve some results.

My country is not supported by Medium Partner program, so I can’t earn from my writing :( But you can give me some support by reading the article here ❤️

Many people expect overnight success and give up after the first try. It’s impossible to be noticed, get followers, and build an audience in a few days. It’s constant work. Overnight success happens very rarely, and it’s usually just a bit of luck.

Make a plan, see how many hours you can spend on your hobbies daily, and stick to it. Realistically, it may not be possible to dedicate a few hours every day to your hobby. Instead of waiting until you are free, let yourself spend even 30 minutes on it.

If you lack motivation, try to add some innovations, create an Instagram account, and connect with people with the same interest. You will build an audience and, at the same time, get feedback. You will also be able to stick to your hobby without any effort, just by scrolling on Instagram. You will find new ideas and possibly find different ways of enjoying your hobby.

Day by day, you’ll get more followers, your audience will grow, and one day you will be able to do your dream job for life.

So if you love what you do and are talented, don’t get discouraged if it takes a few months or a year to achieve some good results. Don’t think about results, but enjoy the journey.

How do you spend your free time? Can you manage your work-life balance? Let me know in the comments!

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