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A Strange Hobby?

 

Play isn't just a childhood pastime—it's a fundamental part of human development. It teaches us to navigate the world, understand social dynamics, and discover our interests. A quote attributed to Jordan Peterson aptly puts it, "Play is the highest form of research, really, because it’s the way that we prepare for the unexpected and the unknown". This principle extends beyond humans to our furry friends as well.

 

How Play Works

Consider our puppy, Parker, a 1 yr old Bernedoodle, who engages in rough-and-tumble play with the neighbor's near identical puppy. They push their physical boundaries, learn what hurts and what doesn’t, and become well-socialized in the process. They also learn about trust and cooperation. This playful interaction isn't just fun; it's crucial for their development.

Interestingly, play isn't just about having fun and doing whatever we want—it's also about pushing ourselves, challenging ourselves, competing with others all while following an agreed upon set of rules. Have you ever tried to play chess with a toddler? Without a set of rules, play would descend into chaos. Imagine a marathon where one runner is on roller blades and another is in running shoes—how would that even work? The thrill of any game or sport comes from adhering to agreed-upon rules, which ensures fairness and adds to the excitement.

...play isn't just about having fun and doing whatever we want—it's also about pushing ourselves, challenging ourselves, competing with others all while following an agreed upon set of rules.

 

When Play Grows Up

As we grow older, the concept of play evolves into what we now call hobbies. These are the adult versions of our playground adventures, offering us the chance to dive into activities that captivate our interest and spark our passion. Unlike the structured schedules of our youth, adult play—or hobbies—provides the freedom to explore, learn, and grow at our own pace.

Hobbies can range from highly structured activities like joining a sports team or a band to more relaxed pursuits like gardening or painting. They allow us to develop skills, provide a sense of socialization, and offer personal space. While some hobbies may become serious endeavors, many are integral to personal development, whether we approach them deliberately or not.

 

"Do you have any hobbies?"

Recently I was "forced" to name my hobby. I was having some get-to-know you conversations with some potential hires and as we were actually getting to know each other a bit, the topic of hobbies came up. Engineers do interesting things, some that conform to the stereotypes while many don't!

Blending a couple hobbies.

 

For me, committing to a single hobby is far too daunting. There are just too many interesting things out there. I doubt I'm immune to The Dunning-Kreuger effect, but I've come to learn, there are just so many things I don't know or how to do! It's evident when I start looking into a hobby, it's even more evident when I've learned a little about it -- there's just so much to learn.

 

In the end, I have had to conclude that my hobby is "trying hobbies".

 

It seems silly, or even flippant, to call that out as my hobby as I get to know people, but that's the reality. But it makes sense to me when I consider hobbies as the adult playgrounds they are. I've learned to unicycle, decorate cakes, and run. I've dabbled in wood-turning, woodshop projects, landscaping, and writing. And, I'm just about to wrap up an EMBA -- again, because there are just so many things I don't know!

 

The Takeaway

I have discovered that many people experience definite elements of this. So, if you find yourself sampling various interests and hobbies, you’re not alone. Embrace your inner child and see hobbies as adult playgrounds where you can challenge yourself, learn new skills, and have fun. Life’s too short to stick to one sandbox when there’s a whole world of toys to explore, people to meet, and projects to undertake.

 

In the end, the question remains: "Do you have any hobbies?"

 

Happy playing!