We all know that one friend who can effortlessly engage in conversation with anyone they encounter. It seems like they always find common ground, no matter who they meet. What’s their secret?

One thing that I have lived, learned, and observed, is the ability to hold captivating and thought-provoking conversations with a diverse array of people stems from a broad base of knowledge and experiences across various topics.

So, what’s the key to achieving this? How can you go about learning a bit of everything?

The answer is hobby hopping.

Hoppy Hopping ~verb~ the practice of frequently switching between different hobbies and activities, often driven by a curiosity to explore various interests and discover new passions.

Here’s the thing about being interesting — it all stems from experience. In order to genuinely become a well-rounded individual who can hold a worthwhile conversation with a wide range of people you have to have experience.

It’s easy to say, but how do you get that experience? Recently, I’ve noticed how effortlessly we can sink into a comfortable routine. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it often means we’re not growing.

The routine is simple: wake up, maybe squeeze in a workout if you’re dedicated, head to work until 5 or 6 PM, spend the evening making dinner, watching an episode or two of your favorite show, perhaps seeing some friends, and then going to sleep, only to do it all over again the next day.

Weekends often become a time for chores, seeing the same people, going to the same bar, and staying up too late… yet again.

This cycle is easy, familiar, and safe, but it doesn’t challenge us or push us toward personal growth. To break free and truly experience life, we need to consciously seek out new experiences, embrace change, and step out of our comfort zones.

That’s where hobby hopping comes in.

The Gist

Unlike committing to a single hobby for an extended period, hobby hoppers enjoy the thrill of learning something new, experimenting with different activities, and gaining a wide range of experiences.

I personally, love hobby hopping. One of the best parts is being able to now communicate with a whole new group of people.

It is truly like learning a new language. I just the other day had a 20-minute conversation with an older woman at a coffee shop about knitting.

The funny part? I’ve never actually completed a knitting project. I have a quarter of a blanket, half a scarf, and a singular very weird-looking sock staring at me from the corner of my room as I write this.

That is because when I decided the next hobby I wanted to try was knitting, I gave it a solid effort, spent upwards of 20 hours on a blanket (no one tells you how long knitting takes) learned a few of the basic stitches, and quickly realized.. this wasn’t going to be my life long hobby.

Because I have a general understanding of how to knit, the terminology, and an appreciation for the time and effort it takes to create something beautiful I was able to have an interesting conversation with this woman who I would have otherwise had nothing in common with.

On the other hand. There are a few hobbies that you will try that end up being a big part of your life. For me, an example of this comes from my love for tennis. Tennis is a hobby that I decided after starting that I was never going to give up.

I am now in three different tennis leagues, have made a ton of friends in the sport, and am the “expert” when my friends decide they want to try tennis! I even get some into talking about pickle-ball with others, which I have yet to, I know shocking, try.

And that’s the essence of hobby hopping! Not everything sticks, but you are now a little more interesting, with a bit more knowledge, to be able to connect with a whole different group of people.

Childhood Hobbies VS Adult Hobbies

Here’s the thing with childhood hobbies. A lot of times we were drawn into one maybe two sports that we liked. All of our friends were also in this one specific sport. This creates an environment where you are with the same people, almost every day, all working toward the same goal.

We spent hours upon hours learning something new because we had the support of all our friends cheering us on.

Now? No one is telling you to get up and practice the piano, or learn how to ski, or sign up to learn a new language. Now it is completely up to you.

And that can seem daunting or even pointless. One of the scariest parts might be that you will make the wrong mistake and spend all your time learning something that you don’t care about.

But truly — there are no rules to hobby hopping. You are allowed to put as much or little effort into something as you want.

What’s better, is if you decide you love something or even like it enough to keep going. I promise you there is a community around you that also enjoys that hobby.

You can find them online, through Facebook groups, a quick Google search of “Name of hobbie.. in my area”

Suddenly, you have a community of people who all enjoy what you enjoy. A whole new language, a whole new part of you that you get to explore.

How to Be a Good Beginner

Allowing myself to be a beginner at something is not a natural feeling for me. In fact, I have a really hard time not being good at things right off the bat.

To address this, I decided to try various new activities through hobby hopping. This, in essence, became my form of exposure therapy.

Surprisingly, it worked. I recently read that confidence isn’t about feeling a certain way but about the ability to keep trying. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained by allowing myself to be a beginner are invaluable

What’s more, I’m no longer a beginner at many things. I’ve acquired enough knowledge in various topics that I no longer feel like I’m floundering to find information. With a solid understanding of the fundamentals, I can now learn more effectively and efficiently.

It’s a misconception that people are naturally good at things; everyone starts as a beginner. The key is to keep trying, again and again, until you improve.

I now love to be a beginner. It’s exciting for me to start learning something from the very beginning. Not saying its easy, but I now have full confidence that with a bit of practice and training, I can learn at least the basics of anything.

The Social Benefits of Hobby Hopping

Hobby hopping offers numerous social benefits that can significantly enhance your life. Beyond boosting your confidence, it also improves your ability to connect with new people and fosters meaningful interactions. Here are some key social advantages of exploring various hobbies:

Easier Connection with New People

One of the most notable benefits of hobby hopping is the ease with which you can connect with new people. Having a broad range of interests means that you rarely struggle to find common ground with others. When meeting someone new, you can quickly sift through their interests and find something you’re also interested in. Sometimes, this might even be an opportunity to explore a hobby you haven’t tried yet.

Navigating Power Dynamics

When engaging with others, especially when sharing a common interest, two distinct power dynamics often emerge: the novice and the expert. These roles are relative to each individual’s knowledge and experience on the topic at hand.

As the Expert: If the conversation is about a subject in which you have considerable experience, such as travel, you naturally take on the role of the expert. You can share tips and anecdotes about the various countries you’ve explored, while the other person, learning from your experiences, assumes the role of the novice.

As the Novice: Conversely, you might meet someone who has traveled more extensively than you or has visited places you’ve never been. In these moments, you become the novice, and they are the expert. Being a novice, while not ignorant, allows you to ask insightful questions that keep the conversation engaging. Experts often appreciate the opportunity to share their knowledge and let others into their world.

Maintaining Conversational Balance

It’s crucial, when in the role of the expert, to ensure that you are not being condescending or lecturing. The goal is to keep the exchange conversational and enjoyable, even as the other person learns from you. This balance helps maintain a positive dynamic and fosters a more enriching interaction for both parties.

Building Common Ground

Having more common ground with others through the different hobbies you have tried makes socializing much easier. The diverse experiences and skills you acquire through hobby hopping allow you to relate to a wider range of people and engage in more varied and interesting conversations.The Professional Benefits of Hobby Hopping

Exploring a wide range of hobbies, or hobby hopping, offers numerous professional benefits. It makes you more interesting, helps you connect with others, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

But how long should you try a hobby before deciding it’s not for you? And why does hobby hopping make you more intriguing? Let’s delve into these questions and more.

Know a Little Bit About a Lot of Things

In today’s fast-paced world, being a polymath can be more advantageous than being a specialist. Most of us won’t become geniuses in one specific area, but having a breadth of knowledge across various subjects makes you versatile and engaging.

This well-rounded approach not only enriches your personal life but also enhances your professional persona. Being knowledgeable about a wide array of topics enables you to connect with a broader range of people, making networking and building relationships easier.

Be More Excited About Life

Hobby hopping keeps life exciting and full of potential. Each new hobby introduces you to different skills, communities, and perspectives, making your daily life more vibrant and fulfilling.

This variety can spill over into your professional life, making you more enthusiastic and motivated. When you are passionate about what you do outside of work, it often translates to increased productivity and creativity in your career.

Find Common Ground with Others

The odds are high that someone else shares at least one of your hobbies. This common ground can be a fantastic icebreaker and a way to build rapport quickly.

In both social settings and professional environments, shared interests can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. When you start a conversation about a hobby, it can prompt others to share their experiences or express their interest, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Become a Lifelong Learner

Engaging in various hobbies fosters a mindset of continuous learning. This approach keeps your mind sharp and adaptable, qualities that are highly valued in the professional world.

Employers appreciate candidates who are curious, open to new experiences, and willing to grow. Lifelong learners are often seen as innovative problem-solvers who can bring fresh perspectives to their work.

Improve Communication Skills

Being a better communicator makes you a more interesting person, and this can be particularly advantageous during job interviews. Hobbies provide you with diverse experiences and anecdotes that you can share, making you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.

Effective communication also involves listening, and as you learn about new hobbies, you become better at listening and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Discover What You Truly Enjoy

Hobby hopping allows you to hone in on who you are and what you genuinely enjoy. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to know the basics and find the activities that captivate you enough to continue.

Think of it like dating — you explore different options until you find the ones that are a perfect match. This self-discovery process is invaluable for personal growth and can also guide your career choices and aspirations.

Tips for Hobby Hopping

Don’t Count Anything Out Too Early: The beginning of a new hobby is often the hardest part due to the steep learning curve. Give yourself time to get past the initial challenges before deciding if it’s for you. Persistence through the early stages can reveal unexpected joys and skills.

Learn the Basics: Just like learning the first 100 words of a new language, knowing the fundamental vocabulary of a hobby allows you to communicate effectively with others who share the same interest. This basic understanding can make you feel more comfortable and confident in conversations.

Embrace Being a Beginner: There’s value in being a novice. It positions you to ask insightful questions and learn from those more experienced, making conversations more dynamic and engaging. Experts often appreciate the opportunity to share their knowledge, and your curiosity can lead to enriching exchanges.

What to take away?

Hobby hopping is a fantastic way to make yourself more interesting and well-rounded. It enriches your personal life, enhances your professional persona, and keeps you constantly learning and growing.

You don’t need to be an expert in every hobby you try; you just need to be open to new experiences and willing to explore. This exploration not only helps you find what you love but also equips you with a diverse set of skills and knowledge that can be valuable in various aspects of life.

Explore New Hobbies

Want to explore some hobbies you could get into? Check out this list of 31 hobbies to start from.

Remember, the key is to enjoy the journey of discovering what makes you happy and fulfilled. Each new hobby is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others.

Happy hobby hopping!

xx Kait

Hobby Hopping — How to Become More Interesting