You've probably seen this quote, or some variant of it:
Find three hobbies you love:
One that makes you money,
One to keep you in shape,
One that keeps you creative.
I think this quote is complete and utter rubbish.
Let's have a definition:
A hobby is an activity, usually regular, that is done for enjoyment, typically during leisure times. It's not done professionally, and not for pay.
I didn't come up with this. It's on Wikipedia.
So, first "suggested hobby" first:
Just because you love something, doesn't mean you have to make money from it, much less turn it into a business.
Often, especially if it's a "creative" hobby, having to please a client is a quick way to killing your enthusiasm for it.
I love photography. I got good at it.
I started to get hired to do photography.
I hated being a hired photographer.
I went back to being a hobbyist.
Obviously, some people are going to enjoy the process of making a business out of what they love.
And some people DO make good money out of the things they love.
But to suggest that a hobby should make you money?
That's garbage advice.
Why does everything have to be monetised and tainted with commercialism?
Let people enjoy what they enjoy, and leave them alone.
On to the second "suggested hobby".
There are a few people who love to exercise, but the vast majority of people hate it.
Suggesting that someone should enjoy exercise when they don't doesn't make them want to do it more.
It likely pushes them the other way, into thinking, "Oh, so if I don't enjoy it, maybe I shouldn't do it anymore."
That's counter-productive.
You want more people to stay healthy and fit?
Just be upfront about it. Exercise is hard. It takes effort. It takes energy. But the benefits are tremendous. Push the benefits.
Stop telling people that it should be a hobby - something that they enjoy - when they don't.
Finally, the third "suggested hobby".
Alright, this one is still marginally palatable.
But hey, you can't give three out of three total BS tips, right? One of them has to be something people will generally agree with.
And putting the "most true one" last makes it more likely that people will respond to it and somewhat agree with the other garbage tips.
The best lies always have a kernel of truth in them.
That said, not every hobby has to be a "creative" one.
If I like to watch birds, I'm not exactly creating anything. But it doesn't make it any less of a hobby than, let's say, pottery or sculpting.
So, even though this last point is better than the other two, it's still one-dimensional and pretty rubbish.
What's my point?
Ignore these "productivity gurus" that have to make everything about productivity and money, as if these are the end all and be all's of life.
Life is WAY more than that.
Enjoy your hobbies for what they are, in the exact way that you like them.
Have an excellent week ahead!
How To Let Others Know What You're Good At
There are many ways to let others know that you're well-versed in a subject:
1) Show them your credentials and certifications.
Probably the default way here in sunny Singapore, this definitely works with the right crowd.
For example, you'd want to do this if you're presenting to a group of academics.
You might want to skip this if your audience comprises self-made business owners who didn't go through tertiary education.
2) Present your successful and not-so-successful case studies
This may or may not be in the form of a story.
Maybe it's the scientist in me, or maybe it's my information hoarding tendencies that say, "Just the facts, Ma'am," but, personally, I don't like presenters who tell a story for everything.
Certain things can just be a list on a slide, a chart, or a graph.
My point is, present your case studies in a way that makes sense to your audience. And switch up your methods as necessary.
This isn't one-size-fits-all.
3) Make your knowledge accessible
Any time someone asks for your opinion / advice, give it to them.
Build up an archive of what you know, and put it up where others can find it.
I started with a blog, then social platforms, and now I'm working towards podcasting and videos.
I didn't say to give it away for free, necessarily.
Charge for it if you want, but make it accessible.
Nobody will know what you know, if they don't know that you know what you know.
I'll stop now and give you a second to process that.
Advice on Becoming a Public Speaker from Dr. Andrew Goh
A little over a week ago, I had an opportunity to speak to Dr. Andrew Goh.
I told him,
"Dr. Andrew, you may not remember me. A few years ago, I asked you for advice on becoming a public speaker. Today, I am well on my way. Thank you for your advice."
I then gave him two copies of The Introvert Teacher, one addressed to him and the other to pass on to anyone he wants.
This was the advice he gave to me. The elaboration is my own:
1) Volunteer to Speak and Practise
At the start, the only way to get known and gain recognition is to speak whenever you have an opportunity.
Also, you are going to need the practice and volunteering yourself will help you to figure out your niche topic, which brings us to...
2) Have a Specific Topic
It's all too easy to take on any and all projects that come your way.
However, being a generalist can be confusing, especially for those who are looking for speakers on a particular subject. It also makes you less memorable to those who have already heard you if you tell them that you can do 'any topic you need'.
People look to experts. Establish yourself as one.
3) Once Established, Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Speaking Fees
At some point, you are going to have to be paid if you intend to embark on speaking as a career.
This can and does happen organically but the surest way is to ask.
Start by getting the organisers to cover your travel expenses, even if it's just a taxi ride.
From there, as you gain confidence, ask for more. Be reasonable. You probably shouldn't ask for 10 thousand dollars per hour if you only started speaking 2 months ago (unless you're already some sort of celebrity) but, hey! If you get it, that'd be quite an achievement.
Still, be firm in your requests. If you give in too easily, you are only shortchanging yourself.
Thank you, Dr. Andrew, for being a teacher I look up to and for taking the time to advise me.
