Is My Hobby My Purpose?
by Glenda Giles
There is a line between your hobby and your purpose.
If you had all your needs met and bills and money were not an issue, what would you do? What would you do willingly and happily and not get paid for it? Is that thing a hobby or is it purpose? Is my hobby and my purpose one in the same? I have heard these questions and have been asked many times, “Does my hobby have anything to do with my purpose? All are very good questions. First, let’s look at the definition of these terms. As defined by Webster’s 1828 dictionary:
A hobby is that which a person pursues with zeal or delight. It is a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation that engages them in relaxation.
Purpose is something set up as an object or end to be attained.
Your hobby can provide insight into your purpose, but may not be your purpose. For example, you may volunteer as a youth basketball coach. You can teach children the game of basketball as well as motivate them to play and learn the game. You know the game of basketball very well and can develop teams. You also have the ability to explain how to play the game to your audience, which is the youth. You pursue this hobby with zeal, and you love it. Your gift for motivation is amazing, and not only are the children motivated, but the parents are diligent in bringing their children to practice. For this assignment, you are displaying a teaching gift and the gift of a motivator.