I have never been the best at my hobby, and I’m okay with that. Our author explains why she has let go of the need to excel in her hobby and now loves it, even though she’s not particularly good at it.
As a child, I was rarely the best at anything. While my friends excelled in ballet, violin, and other activities, I never stuck with one hobby long enough to become great at it. I dabbled in tennis, horseback riding, singing in a choir, and even took a graffiti course. My parents were exasperated by my lack of focus, but I enjoyed trying out different things. As a child, it didn’t bother me that I wasn’t particularly skilled in my hobbies, but that changed as I got older.
Pressure to Perform in Hobbies
The first time I felt pressure to perform in my ballet hobby was when my teacher placed me in the back row because she said my sense of rhythm was lacking and I should pay more attention to others. That experience was a turning point for me. The joy of dancing was replaced by a desire to excel. I became obsessed with getting better and even practiced at home. While a little ambition can be healthy, for me, my hobby became a chore rather than a source of joy and relaxation.
Social media often portrays hobbies as only worthwhile if you excel at them. People contort themselves in yoga poses, play complex piano pieces flawlessly, or paint like masters. While it’s admirable to have such talent, it can also be intimidating and not the norm. I began to wonder if I was talentless because I didn’t excel in any particular hobby.
Embracing Imperfection in My Hobby
I used to believe that enjoyment in a hobby was directly linked to proficiency. However, I’ve since realized that this isn’t the case. I’ve let go of internal and external expectations of excellence. I love singing in a choir, even though I’m not a remarkable singer. I enjoy drawing and pottery, even if my creations aren’t masterpieces. The simple act of engaging in these activities helps me take a break from screens and clear my mind.
Comments like „You’ve been doing this for so long, but you’re not that good at it“ no longer bother me. Do I need to be exceptional to find joy in my hobbies? No. Unlike a job where performance is crucial, hobbies should be free from pressure and goals. Hobbies don’t need to win medals or be tracked by fitness devices. I now see my hobbies as opportunities to experiment and fail without the weight of expectations. While success and improvement are welcome, I try not to make them prerequisites for enjoyment.
In conclusion, it’s essential to embrace imperfection in our hobbies and find joy in the process rather than focusing solely on excellence. Hobbies should be a source of relaxation and exploration, free from the pressures of perfectionism. So go ahead, try new things, embrace your imperfections, and find joy in the simple act of engaging in activities you love.
