The older I get the more awkward I feel about starting new hobbies. I think it’s partly because it’s daunting to start on something new when people your age can already be really good at it.
This quarter I decided to take a beginner piano class. I took piano lessons as a kid but stopped before anything became of it. I didn’t ever pick up a new instrument. My family has a piano that just sits in our living room untouched for most of the year. I’ve always wanted to play but never prioritized it. If being in college has taught me anything, it’s that there is no time like the present. When else would I have the opportunity to take piano classes in such a convenient way?
Now that we’re halfway done with the quarter, I’m really happy I am trying this new hobby. While I am in no way good at piano yet, I am proud of myself for finally starting something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. The desire to instantly be good at something is an overwhelming feeling to navigate when trying something new. I think I have to stop believing that only things that are executed perfectly are worthy of attention. I feel a little embarrassed to tell people I’m learning piano because I am a beginner and thus not very good. What’s ironic is that when other people tell me they’re trying something new, I never think about how they might be really bad at it. I’m only ever happy for them and inspired by their will to try something new.
I also think that starting new hobbies can be daunting because we don’t feel like we have enough time. Any practice is better than no practice. I am not a morning person, but every Tuesday and Thursday you can find me in the music practice rooms at 8 a.m. I had to switch my mindset. I wasn’t losing time in the mornings or wasting it. I was using it for something I really had wanted to do for a long time. I have to be careful about my mindset during practice. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the things you need to learn. This is why making goals is super important. Half the time I quit hobbies because I never take the time to map out a plan. I think being on the quarter system helps because ten weeks is a perfect amount of time to set some goals. It’s not too long, yet it flies by.
Lastly, I just want to remind everyone to be kind to themselves while also pushing themselves. Comparison is the thief of joy. To compare is to despair and those sad thoughts represent time you could have been practicing. There really is no time like the present. A lot of the time being disciplined doesn’t seem fun but with hobbies, it can be. It’s a win-win situation because you get to do something you love while also practicing intentionality, which will always benefit you. So get out there and commit to trying something new (and stick with it)!