The Three Hobby Rule: Creativity, Fitness, and Profit
The adage goes that people should maintain three hobbies: one for creativity, one for fitness, and one to make money. This philosophy has merit in ensuring we nurture different aspects of life. But it also has flaws. Let’s examine the rationale behind this three hobby guideline and whether it genuinely benefits well-rounded fulfillment.
The Premise
The core premise advocates cultivating hobbies that:
Spark creativity and imagination through arts, crafts, music, writing, etc.
Maintain physical fitness through sports, exercise, dance, outdoor activities.
Generate extra income through freelancing, selling products, monetizing skills.
In theory, this hobby trinity nourishes the mind, body, and wallet, preventing lopsided priorities. But the framing assumes hobbies should have utility. A hobby’s sole purpose is enjoyment.
Flaws in the Framework
While admirable in intent, several flaws pervade this three hobby doctrine:
Hobbies as Obligation
Framing hobbies as compulsory boxes to check feels rigid and joyless. Hobbies should arise organically from passions.
Financial Focus
Assuming hobbies must generate income contradicts their inherent purpose – leisure enjoyment. Monetizing a hobby often breeds resentment.
Ignores Contentment
People content focusing on one rewarding hobby or interest shouldn’t feel inadequate. Not everyone requires variety.
Downplays Physical Jobs
Manual laborers may lack energy for fitness hobbies outside work. Their career suffices for activity.
Discounts Crossover Appeal
Many hobbies like bicycling simultaneously stimulate creativity, exercise, and potentially even income. Multitasking hobbies efficiently check all boxes.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Lifestyles, interests, abilities vary immensely person-to-person. The three hobby premise lacks flexibility to accommodate individual needs.
Benefits of the Three Hobby Approach
When adopted organically rather than mandated, diversifying interests carries advantages:
Work-life balance – Varying activities prevents burnout from a single fixation.
Increased scope – Trying new pursuits expands perspective and skills.
Health – Mental and physical exercise wards off stagnation.
Socialization – Hobbies connecting people provide fulfilling bonds and networking.
Supplemental income – If monetizing a hobby bears no resentment, extra earnings and savings don’t hurt.
How to Make the “Three Hobby Rule” Work for You
Rather than an edict, treat the three hobby idea as inspiration for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Reframe “Shoulds” into “Coulds”
Instead of approaching additional hobbies from obligation, view them as options to optionally explore.
Capitalize on Innate Interests
Look for latent untapped interests that align with creative, physical, and potentially profitable categories.
Modify to Suit Your Needs
Adopt the parts of the three hobby system that work for you personally. Discard aspects that don’t fit.
Combine and Streamline
Take advantage of hobbies hitting multiple boxes like martial arts, dancing, and making art.
Allow Evolution
Let your interests grow and change over time. Don’t restrict yourself to the same three hobbies forever.
Have Fun First
Only monetize hobbies if it increases enjoyment. Don’t force moneymaking at the expense of fun.
At the end of the day, the three hobby suggestion contains wisdom. Too much of anything breeds imbalance. But obligatory hobbies contradict their very role – providing joy. Take the framework as inspiration to ensure you enjoy a life rich in community, creativity, activity, purpose, and maybe even supplemental income. But let fulfillment guide you more than any arbitrary hobby count.
Examples of Creativity Hobbies
Creativity provides infinite outlets for self-expression, escapism, and sparking joy. Some popular creative hobbies include:
Drawing/Painting/Sculpting
Photography/Filmmaking
Writing Stories/Poetry/Songs
Knitting/Crocheting/Sewing
Woodworking/Metalworking/Jewelry-Making
Cooking/Baking
Pottery/Glasswork
Gardening/Floral Arrangements
Music Production/Playing Instruments
DIY Projects – Anything making something new qualifies!
Ways to Get Fit Through Hobbies
Physical activity provides abundant options to get moving while having fun. Fitness hobby examples include:
Running/Jogging
Hiking/Backpacking
Cycling/Mountain Biking
Swimming/Surfing
Kayaking/Rafting
Rock Climbing/Bouldering
Dancing – From ballroom to ballet
Yoga/Pilates
Racquet Sports – Tennis, Badminton, etc.
Martial Arts
Team Sports – Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, etc.
Money-Making Hobby Ideas
Monetizing skills and artistic creations represents a bonus, not hobby necessity. Some potentially lucrative hobby routes:
Selling Handmade Crafts – Jewelry, clothing, decor, etc.
Freelance Writing/Graphic Design
Photography/Videography Services
Building Websites
Tutoring Skills/Expertise – Music, academics, fitness training, etc.
Buying/Selling Collectibles – Toys, comics, cars, etc.
Food-Based Businesses – Catering, baking, preserves, etc.
Teaching Workshops – Arts, crafts, DIY skills
Busking – Street performing music, magic, comedy
Buy Low/Sell High – Flipping thrift store finds on eBay
Again, monetizing should enhance, not spoil, hobby motivation. Also consider savings from pursuing passions over paid alternatives. DIY often beats hiring pros. Ultimately, hobbies serve our souls. The three hobby concept reminds us to feed creativity, health, and prosperity. But the best recipe mixes passion with flexibility.