This morning I read Austin Kleon’s post about solving Rubik’s cubes and installing door knobs as a stress reliever and it reminded me of why I enjoy repairing vintage audio gear.
When there is a piece of gear that isn’t working and I can get it repaired, it’s a problem solved. I took the time to research the issue, find a solution and get it working again. It’s an addicting feeling of accomplishment that leads me right to another piece of gear to work on.
I think a lot of people’s professional jobs today involve sitting behind a computer and managing projects or thinking up new scenarios for reoccurring events. Or maybe it’s just data entry but the data is always flowing in a way that feels as if it you’ll never really complete it.
For me, having a hobby at home that allows me to start on a project each night and work on it a little at a time until eventually it’s resolved, feels more fulfilling at times than the regular piles of work I handle each day in the office.
Consider finding a hobby that provides a feeling of accomplishment. It could be as simple as baking bread or making cookies. It could be starting and finishing a puzzle. It doesn’t have to be something super technical. Get lost in the process of starting and finishing the hobby at home and notice that ideas on solving problems you’re having in the office will often appear during this time.
Aaron Hartley 