No hobbies=confidence

[dulaney0330]

I have struggled with confidence my entire life and just lately I have been thinking that if I had a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed then I do not think my confidence would be so deficient.

I enjoy writing, watching sports, being adventurous, graphic design and laughing. I also enjoy puzzles and reading.

But, that's not a lot to work with. I would like to learn how to play the piano and swim

Can anyone relate to not having a hobby? What I really enjoy is letting my inner child out and goofing around with friends and doing things outdoors. I don't know how to make a hobby out of that.

Any suggestions of hobbies? Thanks!

[Lauxa]

What's wrong with playing the piano and swimming? Or graphic design and writing for that matter?

I'm enjoying juggling as a hobby. It's cheap, you can do it almost anywhere, you don't need much equipment, and it can be social (passing balls or clubs) if you either make friends with jugglers or "convert" some friends. Jugglers are a fun group of people to hang out with.

Another hobby I'm enjoying is making chain maille. It's my TV hobby, I picked it up so I'd have something to do while watching TV. It's really satisfying to have something to show for those hours of "screen time".

There are tons of adventure-based hobbies, but they all take time and money: rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, spelunking, hang gliding. How about weightlifting? That will get you in good shape for your adventures.

[Rossoneri]

I second the weight-lifting. The feeling you get to lift something over your head that you couldn't earlier is awesome feeling
Also a martial art could build your self-esteem. I recommend brazilian ju-jitsu or if you prefer stand-up thai boxing.
Antoher thing you do is join Toastmasters, and get better public speaking skills.

[dice]

backpacking in europe, long term travel

most expensive, most dangerous, most bestest hobby on the planets from here to mars. (don't go backpacking on mars. porr customer service. I gave them a D-, and they spat on my transcripts. So much for honesty...)

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

What's wrong with playing the piano and swimming? Or graphic design and writing for that matter?

I'm enjoying juggling as a hobby. It's cheap, you can do it almost anywhere, you don't need much equipment, and it can be social (passing balls or clubs) if you either make friends with jugglers or "convert" some friends. Jugglers are a fun group of people to hang out with.

Another hobby I'm enjoying is making chain maille. It's my TV hobby, I picked it up so I'd have something to do while watching TV. It's really satisfying to have something to show for those hours of "screen time".

There are tons of adventure-based hobbies, but they all take time and money: rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, spelunking, hang gliding. How about weightlifting? That will get you in good shape for your adventures.

Juggling eh?

How did you teach yourself how to do that? I always wanted to do that and any tips would be helpful.

Its not totally reasonable for me to do heavy adventurous things since I don't live in colorado! But i do enjoy hiking and the like and I would like to go white water rafting someday.

I exercise and lift weights regularly. But I look to this as more of an obligation than hobby

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by Rossoneri

I second the weight-lifting. The feeling you get to lift something over your head that you couldn't earlier is awesome feeling
Also a martial art could build your self-esteem. I recommend brazilian ju-jitsu or if you prefer stand-up thai boxing.
Antoher thing you do is join Toastmasters, and get better public speaking skills.

My boyfriend does jiu jutsu and I eventually want to do the same. I weight lift and exercise on a daily basis.

I have always wanted to do toastmasters.

[Lauxa]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

Juggling eh?

How did you teach yourself how to do that? I always wanted to do that and any tips would be helpful.

Step 1: 2 balls, 1 in each hand. Hands by abdomen. Throw first ball straight up to about eye level. When first ball is at peak, throw second ball. Catch both balls. Alternate between starting with right and left hands.

Step 2: Instead of throwing the balls straight up, throw in an arc and catch with opposite hand. The second ball should cross under the first. Again, alternate between starting with right and left hands.

Step 3: Add the third ball. It's the same motion, just you don't get a break between throws.

Other tips: Watch the balls at the peak, that should give you all the info you need to make your catch. Stand straight with shoulders back. Move your hands slightly inwards to throw and slightly outwards to catch.

You can buy juggling balls on Amazon.com or make your own from filled balloons. I googled it and found you this link:

Homemade Juggling Balls - Science Tricks - Surfing Scientist - The Lab

There's tons and tons of info online about how to juggle and all sorts of tricks you can learn.

[Big C]

I always wanted to learn a language but a lack of self confidence held me back. Well i bit the bullet and signed up at the local college for night classes, having completed the courses there i then attended the Spanish Institue where i learned to a higher level. With each course i passed my confidence level increased and with a language you have to interact with others in role play etc, this also helped overcome the shyness problem. Now i travel to Spain several times a year on my own and go out of my way to engage the locals in conversation. Language worked for me as a means of overcoming low self esteem and shyness.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by Big C

I always wanted to learn a language but a lack of self confidence held me back. Well i bit the bullet and signed up at the local college for night classes, having completed the courses there i then attended the Spanish Institue where i learned to a higher level. With each course i passed my confidence level increased and with a language you have to interact with others in role play etc, this also helped overcome the shyness problem. Now i travel to Spain several times a year on my own and go out of my way to engage the locals in conversation. Language worked for me as a means of overcoming low self esteem and shyness.

Thanks for your story. IT was very encouraging.

[WayneKey1]

I would suggest polling your friends for some kind of activity they enjoy and then combine that activity with the "goof off" drive. So, maybe some of them like...oh sun and girls... just as an idea. Maybe you go together and rent a sailboat once or twice a month and learn how to sail. Suddenly you are ready and prepared for both goofing with your friends and sun and girls AND you have learned a new adventurous hobby that looks great on your resume.

Oh and if you really like this idea...there are a number of ways to make a living at it.

anyway just my two cents

regards,

Wayne

[blaerG]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

I have struggled with confidence my entire life and just lately I have been thinking that if I had a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed then I do not think my confidence would be so deficient.

You are confusing the law of cause and effect. Hobbies do not bring confidence. Confidence brings hobbies. You must be willing to try new things.

It's a common mistake...

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by blaerG

You are confusing the law of cause and effect. Hobbies do not bring confidence. Confidence brings hobbies. You must be willing to try new things.

It's a common mistake...

I see what you are saying but i go into all these hobbies with little confidence but building confidence, at least for me, is when I begin to enjoy and succeed at my hobbies. So, its a chain reaction.

[Plato]

What do you want confidence for? What would you do if you had more?

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by Plato

What do you want confidence for? What would you do if you had more?

I tend to get really nervous when I am performing a job. I want confidence so that some of my nerves will go away and that I do not consistently doubt my competence.

If I had more, I would attend more social settings and seek out more career paths.

[Plato]

I reckon you should follow the advice in your signature.

Nervousness is a negative emotional state that's perpetuated by condemning it. Just accept it. When you resist you give it the power to control you. Embrace everything you feel without resistance.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by Plato

I reckon you should follow the advice in your signature.

Nervousness is a negative emotional state that's perpetuated by condemning it. Just accept it. When you resist you give it the power to control you. Embrace everything you feel without resistance.

Thanks, I shall do this.