Are you an entrepreneur who constantly lives and breathes business, but find that your work doesn’t always allow for much creativity? As someone who manages a company from a home office in Scottsdale, Arizona while my bustling office is in India, I understand the feeling of not being able to experience the satisfaction of turning my vision into a reality as often as most founders do.
But did you know that expressing your creative side can not only help you discover what you truly want, but also improve your mental well-being and enhance your work performance? As Julia Cameron, author of The Artist Way, suggests, artists who don’t have a way to express their creativity can end up feeling resentful. That’s why I highly recommend taking up a hobby that brings you joy outside of work.
For example, I found that taking weekly painting classes has been the perfect outlet for my artistic creativity. Every week, I walk into class with a blank canvas and within a few hours, my vision turns into reality. Over the years, I’ve built up a full collection of paintings, and I can see how I’ve improved over time. Not only has it been an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, but it has also opened my mind to other joys and perspectives.
As entrepreneurs, we tend to live and breathe business, but when we take a break from the grind and let our creative side take over, it gives us time to reflect and view the world from a different perspective. This can also be beneficial for our mental health and well-being. By finding a hobby that you truly enjoy, you can open yourself up to other joys and reduce the risk of burnout.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I took my art class virtually and looked forward to it each week. Now that in-person classes are an option, I prefer to be surrounded by other creative people in a physical setting. There is an energy and creativity that happens when we are around others who share our passions.
By taking up a hobby outside of work, you can not only enhance your mental and emotional well-being, but also bring new creative energy to your business. So why not find a hobby that brings you joy and helps you express your creativity? It may just be the key to unlocking your full potential as an entrepreneur.
If you have any hobbies you enjoy outside of work, please share them in the comments below 👇🏼
