In a world that cherishes productivity, efficiency, and progression, do you have any projects that are just for you? Do you take time to do things that fill up your cup? What projects are just for you?
Why Is It Important to Do Things Just for You?
You’ve probably heard the expression ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. But what are your thoughts on it? What does it mean to you? However, for many of us, it’s easier to take care of the needs of others than to look after ourselves. For different reasons. Everything from people-pleasing behavior to insecurities of different kinds, if you keep taking care of everyone else and make sure they all have what they need – what is left for you?
If you’re a person who cares for others and prioritizes their well-being and feelings, you need to take care of a very important person: YOU! To be of service to others around you, you need to refill your cup every now and then.
Are Side Projects a Way to Drain or Refill Your Energy?
If you already have a busy life with work, family, and friends, how can you make room in a busy calendar for projects and hobbies that energize you? The truth? You have to make or take time to do things you truly enjoy. Indeed, we all have the same amount of hours in a day. However, if you don’t take time for yourself, others will gladly take it from you.
When deciding on side-projects keep one thing in mind, make sure it’s something you do for yourself. There is no need for it to be useful to anyone else. Likewise, you don’t have to turn your hobby into a side hustle (unless you want to of course).
Why Making and Taking Time Matters
By setting time aside for yourself in the calendar, you show that your own projects are important. You matter, and taking time to enjoy your own interests will not only make you feel better. In doing so you can actually be more of use to others as well. See it as a way to boost your productivity and creativity.
Why Do We Struggle With This?
Yes, why do we struggle with this? Why is it so hard to take the time to do things you enjoy, but so easy to make time for everyone else’s needs? Sometimes there is no easy answer to this. It depends on where and who you are in life. Perhaps you have others depending on you. If you’re a parent, you may struggle with guilt when you want to work on your projects for a bit.
Sometimes it’s a behavior we picked up in childhood, to put the needs of others above our own. This is a form of people pleasing, a subject that deserves a post of its own. This can be difficult and many struggle with this as adults.
Own Examples
If you don’t know what you want to take time for, I can give a few examples of what I enjoy doing.
- Singing karaoke on Smule – feel free to listen if you wish
- Blogging (obviously)
- Playing video games – I currently play Ori and the Blind Forest and Trials of Mana on my Nintendo Switch, and Stardew Valley on my PC.
- Drawing either on paper or my iPad – some images can be seen on my personal Instagram account
- Learning new things – currently working on modules in Microsoft Learn leading up to the MS-900 certification.
- Trying to start and build my own Etsy shop – a work in progress for sure!
Summary/Conclusion
Make sure you do projects that are right for you, not for anyone else. It doesn’t matter if others find your hobbies or interests silly. If they are something you like to spend your time doing then go for it!
Making time to do things that you enjoy is a way to energize yourself. This in turn makes it easier to show up as your best self. Want to be of service to others? Make sure to fill up your cup first!
What projects are just for you? I’d love to hear some examples from you!