I lobby for you to get a hobby
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This week: Get a hobby
Get Pretty: Pick a hobby, any hobby
You probably know someone who doesn’t have a hobby or really any interests of any kind. They might just watch TV or play video games or drink or whatever. But outside of that? They just kind of...exist.
Try to talk to them, and they have no insight. No opinions. Nothing to offer. It’s kind of a drag. Nobody wants to be a drag.
For that reason, it might be worth it to develop a hobby or an interest. Play music, try out a sport — anything, really. It’ll make you more interesting, more fun to be around, and it may also lead to some valuable face-time with certain people. Playing golf may be a good hobby if you’re hoping to climb the corporate ladder, for example.
Plus, there’s research that shows people engaged in creative activities do better at work.
I, for one, will continue indulging in my own interests: Putting together jigsaw puzzles and grimacing at the latest breaking news out of Wolf Blitzer’s mouth every night.
The takeaway: Developing a hobby or an interest can benefit you professionally, and will also make you less boring.
Get Rich: Steer your passion into money makin’
Having a hobby or interest is cool. But what’s really cool is finding a way to make money from it.
For some, that might mean taking your ability to 360-no-scope fools in Call of Duty to a professional level. That’s probably out of reach for most people, but you get the point. By enjoying what you do, of course, you’ll be less likely to want to slam your head in your desk or fake an aneurysm before your next meeting.
It’s easier said than done, of course. But if you’ve never considered how or if you can pivot your career into something more fun, think about it.
The takeaway: If you can, find a way to channel your passion into your professional life. It’ll make going to work a lot more fun.
One other thing: Be bester
We can all do better — at everything and in every way. So just try to do better. Make a better PBJ, take the stairs...whatever.
What I’ve been writing about:
I talked with Jill Schlesinger, a CBS News Business Analyst, about her new book outlining the stupid things people do with money.
All about tax refunds.
If you want to check those articles out and share them, I’d appreciate it.
That’s all for now. Arrivederci.
Sam
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