4 Ways To Turn a Hobby Into a Passion

Climbing at a gym in Bangkok, Thailand (2024)

So, how many of you are still going strong with your New Year’s resolution? If it already feels like a distant memory, you are not alone. For many, the initial excitement is quickly replaced by anxious thoughts over the usual stressors—rent, work, student loans, cost of living!

Here’s the thing: resolutions don’t have an expiration date. You can start again at any time. There’s no better time than now to refocus, reassess, and recommit to making your resolution stick.

Remember to embrace the process, not just the outcome.

Quick story…

I got into climbing in a way that still surprised me. One day, while browsing an estate sale in California, I stumbled upon a gently used harness. It was $10 and the color was perfect. At the time, I was not even thinking about climbing. I’d tried it a few times as a kid, but it hadn't crossed my mind since. But this harness seemed like a really good deal, so I grabbed it, with no real plan in mind.

Months passed before I actually took the harness to a climbing gym. Honestly, I’d almost forgotten about it. But one day, on a whim, I decided to check out a gym nearby. And that’s when everything changed. The moment I got onto the wall, I was hooked. The rush, the focus, the problem-solving—everything clicked in a way I wasn’t expecting. I’ve never been so aware of my body, so mentally and physically connected to what I’m doing. But, despite being enthralled, I didn’t climb again for several months. 

There were two reasons for this: first, I moved overseas for graduate school, and second, on a whim, I got acrylic nails. I paid $80 for those nails, and at the time I definitely was not about to remove them early just to climb. Once I got settled overseas and finally removed my nails, I decided it was time to try climbing again.

It was at that very moment that I knew climbing wasn’t just a passing interest—it was going to become a much bigger part of my life. I quickly became convinced that no matter where I went or what life threw my way, climbing would always be there. Now, I can’t imagine my life without it. But in all honesty, it hasn’t been easy. So, here are some of my tips and tricks for turning a hobby into a passion… 

4. Start Small and Be Realistic

One important tip is to start small, be realistic, and, most importantly, listen to your body. And whatever you do - DON’T compare yourself to others. When I first started climbing, I thought I needed to climb almost every day for hours. Why? Because that’s what I saw others doing, especially on social media. But the truth is, those people are professional athletes who have been climbing for years. Of course they can go full steam ahead. If you are just starting out with any new physical activity, you will get tired fast and feel sore in new places for days. That’s totally normal! Take rest days - it doesn’t mean you’ve plateaued or should quit. Pushing too hard too soon only led to injury for me. I wanted instant results, and that mindset caught up with me. I ended up taking six weeks off to recover from three major overuse injuries. So, be kind to yourself, start slow, and enjoy the process. Starting a new hobby is a long-term commitment, and the more you listen to your body, the longer you’ll stick with it.

3. Try Getting Up a Little Earlier 

Early morning climbing session at The Castle in London, UK (2023). 

I know some of you night owls don’t want to hear it, but getting up early is one of the best ways to make a hobby a permanent fixture in your life. I can already hear the complaints about not getting enough sleep, but honestly, that should just be an encouragement to go to bed earlier. Waking up early gives you the space to get more out of your day. When I was a full-time student, I discovered that many climbing gyms offer student discounts, but the catch was that they only applied during off-peak hours. So, I started getting up early before class to climb. Even though I’m not a student anymore, I still stick to that early routine. It’s become such a habit now that I get up before work and head to the gym. Not only do I beat the crowds, but I also still take advantage of discounts for climbing during those quieter hours. Waking up early might seem tough at first, but it’s a simple way to make sure your hobby becomes a consistent part of your life, no matter how busy things get. 

2. Bring Your Family with You!

Even if you have kids or pets, you can still turn a hobby into a passion. Sometimes, you just need to get creative and bring them along! Climbing gyms are becoming more and more child-friendly, with many offering climbing day camps for kids. So if you’re a parent, you can introduce your little ones to climbing while you get your session in. As for pets, quite a few gyms are now dog-friendly as well! When I got a puppy for Christmas, I was worried it would hinder my ability to climb as often, but it hasn’t at all. I bought a puppy stroller and now bring her with me to the gym. Technically, my home gym doesn’t allow dogs, but no one has said anything or given me snarky side glances. I just park her stroller near my climbing route to keep an eye on her while I climb. She stays in the stroller the whole time and barely makes a peep. It’s a win-win! Not only am I still getting my climb in, but I also get to spend time with her. It has been a great way to balance my passion with my responsibilities. So don’t let kids or pets stop you, try bringing them along. 

First time bringing my puppy to the climbing gym (2024)

1. Get Connected!

A local climbing gym I visited while backpacking around Indonesia (2024).

Even if you live a more nomadic lifestyle, introducing a new hobby into your life is absolutely possible. For two years, I was a full-time traveler, constantly on the move, yet I still managed to keep climbing a consistent part of my routine. No matter what city I found myself in, I made it a point to check out the local climbing gym. It not only kept me connected to my passion, but it also allowed me to delve into the local climbing culture and community. Along the way, I met some incredible people who turned into lifelong friends. One of my favorite climbing experiences happened in Prague. While staying at a hotel, I unexpectedly connected with a group of amazing people, and we ended up spending each day together. One evening, I proposed we all check out the local climbing gym. Some had climbed before, but for a few of them it was a brand-new experience. We spent that next day climbing, laughing, and encouraging each other. It turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my travels. So even if you’re constantly on the move, don’t let that stop you from fitting in a new hobby.