By Erica Rodgers
Everyday we do the same things over and over again, even if we are quite adventurous. Some people may call this routine, but others, like myself call these repetitive tasks our “ulterior motive hobbies”. These are hobbies/daily tasks that help shape what we want our future to be. What do we do each day that helps shape our future? Well, we all still brush our teeth, put shoes on, and THINK! What do we think about? Our future! Even though many memes and other blog posts talk about staying in the present, our minds are always thinking about what we want to do and how to plan for our future to get what we want out of life. There really isn’t anything wrong with focusing on the experiences or things we want, but if we aren’t framing our everyday actions for our everyday future picture, then all is lost. How do we do that? Emotions. Getting clear on our emotions and finding what truly makes our hearts soar, our minds excited and our guts feel good is how we understand what we want in life. Let me be clear, not what other people want in life, not keeping up with the Jones’ and not having the perfect wardrobe is… OKAY. But not following your inner guidance will lead you to an alternate reality that is anything but ideal.
What are your “ulterior motive hobbies” right now, today? Are they working until you are starving, shopping online, making dinners that you don’t even like? What is your day full of? Because whatever it is full of, is what your future holds. Do these daily tasks give you joy? Do they frustrate you? Get in the mindset of giving yourself permission to enjoy your day, to love everything you are doing. Remember your daily tasks AKA “ulterior motive hobbies” should be what makes you feel good, even down to the last moment before you fall asleep. Hey, maybe sleeping more is a positive hobby for you! Think outside the box. For example, if you want to be more relaxed on a regular basis and every once in a while you make time to take a nice hot bubble bath. Bubble baths are now your new hobby! These bubble baths give you a calm, relaxed feeling so capitalize on that feeling, and it will grow and grow and grow until you are as cool as a cucumber in a hot pan. Another great example, you want to raise happy kids, then choose fun games, or cooking together, to cook that into a realistic future.
Switch from non-valued, non-goal driven hobbies to healthy goal driven hobbies and your world will become everything you want it to be. Ask yourself “what do I want to do right now that will help me relax positively, express positively, make money positively?” And then do it. If you’re not sure what to do, feel it in your head, heart and gut. You may get a clear answer, and if you don’t, if like many of us you are confused by what your body is telling you, then you can see Aaron Kapin at Thoughtful Touch. Aaron specializes in using Somatic Experiencing services to help you listen to your body, gain clarity, and eliminate stress. He can do in person sessions or video chats if you live further away.
Want some more examples of “ulterior motive hobbies”?
Some hobbies are purely just for relaxation and some for expression. Sometimes the things we enjoy doing fall into multiple categories or even all of them. Family as a hobby can be relaxation and expression. Keep in mind, these concepts are to flip the switch in your mind to show you all the positive hobbies you can have and how love is a powerful resource we should tap into.
I am giving you permission to do what you love as a hobby, even if that means your hobby is taking a bath every night for the rest of your life. Your life will change in amazing ways when you understand that anything can be YOUR “ulterior motive hobby”.
Join Sparkle Tribe, our Facebook Group, to tell us about your “ulterior motive hobbies”, or the new ones you are adopting!
Image Credit: Elena Koycheva
By Erica Rodgers, Digital Organizer, Virtual Assistant and Motivational Coach