Growth Instigators Hotline

#285 Do something because it brings you joy

• Aaron Havens • Season 3 • Episode 285

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Have you forgotten the simple pleasure of doing something just because it makes you smile? This thought-provoking episode of Growth Instigators Hotline challenges our society's obsession with productivity and purpose, inviting listeners to reconsider the vital role of seemingly "unproductive" hobbies in our lives.

Aaron Havens shares a personal story about a completely non-productive call with a friend that significantly brightened his day, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of fulfillment beyond achievement. He boldly states, "You don't have to monetize every talent. You don't have to squeeze purpose out of every second." This refreshing perspective pushes back against the conditioning that anything not improving our brand, building our resume, or enhancing productivity must be a waste of time.

The episode reframes hobbies as essential acts of rebellion against burnout culture. Whether woodworking, gardening, baking sourdough, throwing axes, or playing guitar "poorly but passionately," these activities reconnect us with our creative, curious human nature. Paradoxically, making space for these joy-centered pursuits actually increases our energy for the truly important things in life. As Aaron wisely notes, "Fulfillment doesn't always look like achievement. Sometimes it looks like laughing at yourself while learning to juggle or getting paint on your pants."

What hobby makes you feel most like yourself, and what would it look like to protect time for it, simply because it matters to your soul? Share this message with someone who needs permission to embrace non-productive joy, or reach out directly if burnout culture is affecting your organization. Visit growthinstigators.com to discover how to bring balance back to your personal and professional life.

Speaker 0:

When's the last time you did something just because it made you smile, Not because it was productive, not because it made you money, not because it was networking, just because it was fun? Yesterday I had a silly, non-productive call with a good friend from San Antonio, Texas. It was hilarious, not productive in any way, yet my day was better because of it. You know who you are. Welcome to message 285 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach.

Speaker 0:

Let's dive into today's Insight Fulfillment Friday the role of hobbies in fulfillment. I'm going to say something wild. You don't have to monetize every talent. You don't have to squeeze purpose out of every second. You can just do something because it brings you joy.

Speaker 0:

Remember that We've been conditioned to think that if it doesn't improve our brand, build our resume or 10x our productivity, then it's a waste of time. But hobbies Hobbies are a rebellion against burnout. They're your little reminder that you're human, creative, curious, weird in the best ways, and not just a machine cranking out results. Whether it's woodworking, running gardening, baking sourdough, throwing axes Uh-huh, yeah, that's me Building Lego sets or playing guitar, poorly but passionately, it all counts. Can the inner. You just go, ride your bike around the block and have fun. You don't need permission, you don't need an audience, you just need a spark of joy and a little space to follow it. Hobbies help us reset the untangible, the mental knots. They give us rhythm outside of hustle and, funny enough, the more you let into your life, the more energy you'll have to do the important things better. So today I dare you to make a little time for something you love, especially if it's weird, silly or totally unproductive, because fulfillment doesn't always look like achievement. Sometimes it looks like laughing at yourself while learning to juggle or getting paint on your pants.

Speaker 0:

Thank you for calling Growth Instigator's Hotline. Can I ask a favor? Can you share this number with a friend, post it on your socials or send it to someone who could use a little daily boost? If this message sparks something in you, share the love and I'd love to hear from you. Leave a message after the beep or send an email to Aaron at gropevincetogatorscom and let me know what hobbies make you feel most like you and what would it look like to protect time for it, just because it matters to your soul. And if your company's running hard but missing joy along the way. This is what we do. Visit growthinstigatorscom and let's jump on a quick call as always. Keep instigating growth in all you do.