We should all have something to do that is creative, enjoyable, and connects us to a community outside of our home and our workplace.
However, we too often confuse owning gear with having hobbies.
Let’s take a common example. You want to get into yoga. You want to get in shape, be among like-minded people, improve your physical and mental flexibility, and take time for self-care. Great! Where do you start?
You probably buy a mat. Then you get a special tote bag that can hold the mat. Next you go out and buy new leggings, tops, sports bras, headbands, and slip on sandals that would make you look like a yogi. Now your internet cookies are telling Amazon to show you other assorted yoga gear, and you buy some blocks, and maybe even a blanket and some straps.You figure you might as well get a new water bottle, too. Into the cart it goes.
You have all of this equipment now, so you’ll definitely get really into yoga, right?
Unlikely.
If you’re anything like most people, that equipment will collect dust in a closet while you remain “too busy” to actually do yoga. You think that the expenditure of money will spur you into using all that gear, but it won’t. You’ll feel guilty and frazzled looking at all that expensive unused gear, and you might actually avoid the gear to avoid feelings of disappointment that you haven’t become the person you hoped you would yet.
You only do an activity by actually doing that activity. And for that, you don’t need to buy and store gear. You need to schedule and protect TIME.
If you want to get into something, or renew your commitment to something, make the time, get it on the schedule, and then do it with what you already have. Or you can borrow or rent the gear as you’re establishing your hobby habit.
Get into the routine of doing your activity of choice first to ensure that making room in your budget and home for gear of your own is something you’ll actually benefit from.
You may borrow a mat, blocks, straps, etc. at the yoga studio, and wear the comfortable clothes you already own. (You and I both know you already own the pajamas-in-public we call yoga pants.)
You can take great photos in the golden hour each evening with your smartphone before upgrading to a DSLR. You can get into the routine of sketching each morning with a standard issue no.2 pencil before upgrading to that set of charcoal pencils.
Once your hobby time is on a recurring schedule and your routine is established, integrating the gear will be be simple and seamless. Then, and only then, should you purchase the gear.
But only if you write it on your shopping list first.