You need a new hobby

Every year, I try to pick up a new hobby. This is not because I have loads of free time or a burning desire to own even more random tools or craft supplies than the amount I am already drowning in. It’s because, as a general rule, life is more fun when you’re slightly bad at something.

Here’s the deal: when you learn something new—whether it’s sourdough baking, paddleboarding, calligraphy, or the dark art of trying to keep a fiddle-leaf fig alive—you’re actually rewiring your brain. That’s science. Every time you step into the uncomfortable, your brain sparks to life like a disco ball at a roller rink. You don’t have to become good at the thing; you just have to try the thing.

I recently started reading Range by David Epstein, and let me tell you, this book is the ultimate permission slip for anyone who’s ever been accused of being “all over the place” or “unable to just pick one thing.” Epstein makes the case that the world’s best problem solvers aren’t the narrow specialists—they’re the people who’ve dabbled, explored, and collected a few random skills along the way. In other words, the more “unrelated” experiences you have, the better equipped you are to see creative solutions that others miss.

So yes, your pottery class might not make you a better accountant, but when your team hits a weird problem at work, your brain will be like, “Wait—this is just like when I was trying to keep that vase from collapsing on the wheel.” Congratulations, you’ve just cross-pollinated your creativity.

The side effects are equally delightful. When you have hobbies, you stop expecting your job, or your kids or spouse, to provide all your meaning and satisfaction in life. Your work frustrations sting less when you know you’ve got a ukulele waiting for you at home. And you become a more interesting person. No one wants to be stuck next to someone at a dinner party whose only conversation topic is politics or the weather.  Be the person who can say, “Well, I’ve been learning archery,” and then just… leave it there. People will assume you’re fascinating and you’ll be the most memorable person they met all night.

This year? I’m learning stained glass. My hands are now covered in tiny cuts. My social media feed is full of random instructional videos. But I’m loving it! The best part - I’ve already made several gifts for family and friends. Are they Tiffany-quality pieces? Heck No! But that really doesn’t matter, does it?

So here’s your nudge: pick a hobby. Any hobby. Learn it badly, joyfully, and without shame. It’ll make you smarter, happier, and way more fun at dinner parties. And who knows? You might even stumble into your next great idea somewhere between the glue gun and the salsa shoes.

PS….Range by David Epstein is such a fascinating book, I’m sure it will inspire several more dispatches on the subject. Stay tuned!