Story of the Week
The Hobby Paradox
We live in a culture that glorifies the grind. But here's the paradox: The more successful you become, the more you need activities that have absolutely nothing to do with your success.
This isn't just feel-good advice — it's backed by research. Studies show that entrepreneurs who engage in creative hobbies for just two hours per week see a 30% boost in work performance.
Yet most of us treat hobbies like luxuries we'll indulge in "someday when we have time."
That someday never comes.
Why Your Brain Needs a Break
When I'm out on the water, the constant chatter in my mind — about deadlines, strategies, and problems — finally quiets down.
Neuroscientists have discovered that our brains have a "default mode network" that activates when we're not actively focused on tasks. This network is responsible for making creative connections, processing information, and solving complex problems.
But it only activates when we step away from work completely. Your brain needs genuine, complete breaks to do its best work.
Ever heard of “shower thoughts”? They happen because there’s nothing else to do in there but think. We never offer ourselves that time anymore since everything is so busy, connected, and fast.
The Chris Ducker Discovery
During our recent podcast conversation, Chris shared how he discovered the power of hobbies during his own burnout recovery in 2021.
"I thought hobbies were a waste of time," Chris told me. "But they became the foundation of my recovery and ultimately led to my best business years."
Chris now spends hours each week walking through the English countryside with his camera, photographing birds, and keeping track of any new species he encounters. What started as recovery became a passion that now informs his leadership philosophy.
The lesson? Hobbies aren't time away from success — they're investments in it.
My Fishing Revelation
I've been fishing since I was three, but for years, I treated it like a guilty pleasure. Everything changed when I started viewing fishing as essential business infrastructure.
Those hours on the water give me:
- Complete disconnection from digital overwhelm
- Space for my best ideas to emerge naturally
- Stress relief and perspective on what actually matters
The result? I'm more creative, less stressed, and more effective in my work.
Protecting Your Hobby Time
The biggest challenge isn't finding a hobby — it's protecting the time for it. Here's how:
1. Schedule It Like a Client Meeting: Put your hobby time on your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable.
2. Create Physical Boundaries: When it's hobby time, put your phone in airplane mode or leave it behind entirely.
3. Reframe the Guilt: This isn't time away from your business — it's time invested in becoming a better leader and human being.
Your Turn: The Hobby Challenge
This week, I challenge you to:
- Identify one activity that genuinely excites you and has nothing to do with work
- Block out two hours this weekend to engage in this activity
- Notice how you feel mentally and creatively afterward
Oh, and a huge thank you to Chris for the amazing conversation on the podcast recently.
Listen to my full conversation with Chris Ducker about long-haul leadership, the power of hobbies, and building sustainable success.
Get Chris's new book, The Long-Haul Leader. If you're feeling burned out or want to build a more sustainable approach to success, this is essential reading. Order your copy here!
