by Wendy Kemp
Six Hobbies That Help Entrepreneurs Succeed in Business
Forget the quote “work hard, play hard.” If you want to be an entrepreneur, then you should play hard to work hard. After all, people develop skills not by working non-stop, but by dedicating their time to activities that give them joy and knowledge.
Indeed, hobbies improve your work performance and physical health while reducing your stress, according to CNBC’s article on hobbies and career success. These activities can bring a lot of joy while refining various skills that you would need to thrive in the highly competitive world of business. Follow the footsteps of trailblazing entrepreneurs by trying out a hobby… or two!
Endurance Sports
If you love challenges, then you should try endurance sports, such as running, biking, racing or swimming. This article on endurance sports and leadership by Inc Magazine highlights how you need discipline and dedication to survive endurance sports and the business world.
For example, Ivan Zinn is the founder of Atalaya Capital Management, and he participated in the Endurance Run in 2014, when he had to run for 100 miles through Sierra Nevada. Endurance sports like this challenge your grit and your passion, which is why successful entrepreneurs who have them as a hobby are masters of training hard.
Poker
Entrepreneurs play poker to master planning and taking calculated risks, even without knowing your competitor’s next moves. Just take a look at Andy Beal, who is a banker, investor, mathematician and avid poker player. Topping Poker.org’s list of wealthiest poker players, Beal is the winner of what might just be the largest hand in recent memory — $11.7 million.
Success in poker and business is driven by skill and strategy. Poker teaches individuals to analyze their hands and to make calculated decisions based on their knowledge. This teaches aspiring entrepreneurs to focus and to strategize, based upon what they can and cannot control.
Musical Instruments
It’s never too late to learn a new instrument. Playing different songs using an instrument will not only liven up your room and bring you joy, but it can also stimulate your creativity and fine motor skills.
Warren Buffet, the chairman and the largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, dedicates much of his time to playing the ukulele, according to an article on his greatest hits published by MarketWatch. Moreover, playing musical instruments can improve your memory, concentration, and brain functions, which will definitely help you in your business.
Yoga
Our post on ‘Busting the Yoga Myth’ debunks the idea that yoga is an exercise only for flexible people. Thankfully, yoga is not only for people with different fitness and flexibility levels—it is also for those who want to succeed.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can follow the footsteps of yoga practitioners, such as Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google, and Jeff Weiner, the CEO of LinkedIn. Yoga is a great exercise for busy people because it will help improve your strength and overall health, while lowering your stress levels.
Bridge
Got a deck of cards? Call three of your friends and level up your skills in logic and reasoning by playing a game of bridge.
This card game is well-loved by some of the most popular entrepreneurs, such as Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, and his favorite bridge partner, Warren Buffet. Bridge teaches you how to focus and how to deal your cards properly, while improving your skills in cooperation and teamwork as you strategize with your partner.
Traveling
Traveling is an enriching activity that will teach you about the world. Our travel articles here on Our Wonderful World Media will expose you to different cultural practices and experiences, which may help you get inspiration for your business.
Logan Green, the co-founder of Lyft, was encouraged to create Lyft after encountering difficulties in transportation during a trip. Similarly, you can think of creative solutions as you step out of your comfort zone and into the real world by travelling and by engaging in business.