How to Journal to Find a Hobby Worth Nurturing

You’ve been told a million and one times that you need a hobby. Great. Now you just need to know how to find a hobby you actually enjoy. As always, there’s a journal prompt for that!

There’s something to be said about sampling different hobbies. It’s fun to try new things. But hobbies can be so much more when we really dig in. Suddenly, that online crafting community introduces you to lifelong friends and your workout class slowly strengthens your body. Consistency is a beautiful thing.

And yet, finding a hobby worth committing to is awkward. It’s like a bunch of first dates except you feel the urge to spend hundreds of dollars every time (baking sourdough is a lot more expensive than you’d think). This is where your journal can save you a lot of time and money.

You are already an expert in what you like and don’t like. That’s why journaling through a couple of different prompts is a great way to find a hobby you’ll actually enjoy. Below, you’ll find three different paths to explore in your journal before trying a new hobby.

Knowing Your Hobby Finding Path

People are different and so are the hobbies they enjoy. If you want to find a hobby, you need to know what’s kept you from finding something already.

Of course, some hobbies need a certain amount of money to get started. That’s a block you won’t be able to journal your way around. But even if your dream hobby is out of reach – there will always be enjoyable ways to spend time without money. If that doesn’t feel true, try journaling through some of these de-influencing prompts first.

With money out of the way, there are three main thoughts that generally keep you from enjoying your hobbies. Which of these sound like you?

1.      “My hobbies aren’t valuable.”

2.      “I have absolutely no clue what interests me.”

3.      “No one else is interested in what I like.”

If any of these thoughts sound familiar, it’s time for a journaling “choose your own adventure”! Pick the thought that hit home the hardest and follow your way through these journal paths.  

Journal Prompts for “My Hobbies Aren’t Valuable”

See Also: “My hobbies aren’t productive”, “I’m not good enough at my hobbies”, or even “I don’t have any time for hobbies”.

First of all, free time tells the world that *you* are luxury enough. Whatever you provide others is just extra. Unfortunately, this is easier said than felt.

The best way to tackle this thought is to zoom in on how you define value. Surely, there are things you care more about than money. This is the time to explore that.

Take a look at the image above and chart out your journaling course. Or don’t. Feel free to explore any prompt that stands out.

·        What do you value outside of money and/or physical things?

·        What feelings come up when you see others make time for hobbies? Resentment? Sadness?

·        How motivated are you to maintain self-discipline? Would more free time increase your motivation?

Journal Prompts for “I Don’t Know What I Enjoy”

Hobbies may be important, but they aren’t that deep. You don’t need to discover some ultimate purpose when you find a hobby. Yes, it’s good to eventually settle somewhere but feel free to take your time! Pressure is a fun killer.

This part of the journal prompt path is a bit shorter. Mainly because these prompts are just designed to get the exploration process started. After that, you’ll need to continue to follow whatever other interests come up.

Heads up, these prompts heavily rely on aspect journaling. You’ll be speaking to the person who knows your passions best – your inner child. Just like before, feel free to follow a path or simply explore what feels right:

·        Did you get to participate in enjoyable hobbies as a kid? Why or why not?

·        If yes, what did you like about that activity? What hobbies might give you that same benefit?

·        If no, imagine this—your inner child runs up to tell you about their dream after-school club. What is it and why is your inner child so excited?

Journal Prompts for “No One Else Cares About My Hobby”

The tricky thing about this thought is that it can stem from so many places. Maybe you fear the social awkwardness of joining a club solo. Sometimes this though comes up because you don’t want to be mocked for something you care about. Whatever pops up for you, take a second right now to notice how these fears feel in your body.

Did you feel those feelings? Good.

The following prompts tackle some of the more common reasons for fearing a solo hobby mission. If one resonates with you – great! If none of them apply, let me know in the comments below this post. I’d love to share more prompts on self-consciousness in the future.

For now, here are some prompts to consider:

·        What is the worst thing you’re afraid of when starting a solo hobby?

·        If you fully trusted yourself to commit to a new activity – what would you try and why?

·        How have you actively tried to gather people to participate in your interests? [Hint: joining online groups, advertising at the library, talking about it to friends, etc.]

·        For every scary “what if” you have about starting this hobby, list 3 optimistic “what if’s”

·        If a friend told you they were starting a new hobby, what would you say to support them? Say that out loud to yourself.

What Do You Do When You Find a Hobby

Once you find something remotely worth trying, explore it. Give it time to truly catch your interest (maybe even make it the key in your motivation menu). For now, leave it at that.

It’s important not to overwhelm yourself with journal prompts on the front end. Let this part of the journey be what it is. Discovery and fun.

When you’re ready, consider nurturing your new hobby by setting a goal in the Balanced Life Blueprint Worksheet. It’s a free tool that puts your goals into the context of your life. The worksheet is great if you struggle to add hobbies into a busy schedule.