As a business owner, sometimes it might feel like you can never work too much.
But of course you can: in fact, it’s one of the most common causes for stagnation in the business world.
It’s also the single biggest cause of professional burnout, which not only slows the progress of your business, but could disrupt it entirely.
But by picking up a hobby or learning a new skill you can avoid this burnout; what’s more, you might even come to see your business in a new light.
So, How Does A Hobby Prevent Burnout?
Picking up a hobby outside of your business is a phenomenal way to keep yourself energized and happy inside your business.
When we focus on one thing for too long – such as the chaotic tedium of running a business – it can tend to overwhelm us.
This can lead to professional burnout: you’re working because it’s all you know, rather than working because it fulfills you.
But a hobby gives you something new to channel your energy and focus into. It can be cathartic for long time business owners.
Typically, right when you start something new is when you can make a large amount of progress – very quickly.
Sometimes in the business world, we are forced to move slower – sometimes a lot slower – than we’d like. This can be frustrating, which in turn leads to stress.
If this is the case, then it could feel very empowering to start a hobby and suddenly make all sorts of leaps and bounds.
The feeling of moving forward – whether it’s in your career, personal life, health, or in your hobby – is a great stress reliever.
Right, You Mentioned A New Skill – How Does That Help?
Picking up a new skill can be extremely practical: especially if it can in some way improve your existing business, or see it in a new light.
For example: you might learn how to run your business’s social media, or design your own business website.
While it’s unlikely you will go into this line of work full time – you are the business owner after all! – it will give you an appreciation for how that part of your business is run.
Furthermore, you’ll have a lot more leverage when discussing that part of your business with potential contractors, clients, or even your own employees!
Wondering What Hobbies To Pick Up?
There’s no best hobby to pick up: the golden rule is to pick something that you will enjoy doing.
This ensures you’ll stick to it and reap the benefits of a long term commitment.
Likewise, there’s no need to try and optimize your new hobby based on how it will improve yourself or your business.
It’s far better to pick something you’ll enjoy and stick to, rather than something that may be beneficial but won’t last long.
Here are some great hobbies to consider if you’re feeling stuck:
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Rock climbing
- Volunteering at your local red cross
- Yoga
Wondering What New Skills To Pick Up?
Likewise, a new skill doesn’t necessarily have to improve your business – but it can help.
As long as you pick something that makes you happy, there’s no wrong choice here.
That being said, there are a few skills that can typically help most businesses, regardless of industry:
- Learn to run a social media page
- Learn graphic design for free on Canva
- Learn to code your own website
- Take a sales class or two for higher ROIS
Looking To Improve Your Finances Next?
Hopefully, this article has shown you how many new hobbies and skills there are for you to pick up and enjoy.
But luckily, there’s one skill you don’t have to pick up: accounting and bookkeeping!
That’s because at The A Firm, we have over one hundred and fifty years of combined experience in doing just that.
So if you’re looking to grow your business then leave the finances to us!
Call our friendly team today.