Being an entrepreneur is an all-consuming adventure. From morning to night, you’re juggling back-to-back meetings, goals, deadlines, and, let’s not forget, caffeine. The grind never stops… until you crash. And trust me, the last thing we want is to get hit with burnout. That’s why everyone needs a hobby, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. Not just for fun, but because hobbies can actually make you a better business leader.
The Power of Stepping Away from the Hustle
When it comes to startups, scaling, and side hustles, the idea of taking time away from your business can feel counterproductive. On some level, it may even bring a bit of shame to take a berak for fun’s sake.
Thing is, some of the most successful entrepreneurs swear by their hobbies. Bill Gates famously takes “Think Weeks” where he buries himself in books. Warren Buffett plays the ukulele. Richard Branson is an adrenaline junkie who kitesurfs.
Why do some of the most successful business leaders make a point of having fun? Because sleeping is not the only way to get rest. Stepping away from work allows your brain to recharge. It gives you space to think creatively, solve problems, and not burn out before you make it big.
Hobbies = Business Superpowers
Hobbies aren’t just about having fun (although that’s a huge perk). They also build skills that can directly translate into entrepreneurial success.
- Sports & Fitness – Activities like running marathons, playing football, or practicing yoga boost discipline. Those also help with stress management. Plus, squeezing in some exercise in your day keeps your energy levels up for those long business days.
- Creative Outlets – Painting, writing, playing music, or even gaming can enhance problem-solving skills and out-of-the-box thinking.
- Collecting & Curating – From sneakers to football jerseys, collecting items requires patience, an eye for value, and sometimes even negotiation skills—perfect for business deals.
- Strategy-Based Hobbies – Poker, chess, fantasy football—these all sharpen decision-making and risk analysis, which are must-haves in the entrepreneurial world.
The Mental Health Lifeline
No matter how you slice it, the path of being an entrepreneur is often a stressful one. Studies show that business owners are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their 9-to-5 counterparts.
Hobbies give you the time and space to reset, refocus, and remind yourself that there’s more to life than pitch decks and profit margins.
When you’re completely immersed in a hobby, your brain enters a state of “flow,” a fancy way of saying you’re so focused that stress takes a backseat. Whether it’s kicking a ball around, building model airplanes, or collecting football jerseys, hobbies give your mind the break it needs to stay sharp.
The Business of Football & Finding Unexpected Passion
From brand sponsorships to billion-dollar broadcasting deals, there’s no denying that football is so much bigger than just a sport. If we look at the football industry, we can learn so much about marketing, sales, and community building.
But beyond the business side, football is just fun–pure and simple. The sense of community, the passion, the thrill of game day—it’s an escape like no other. And for many entrepreneurs, football becomes more than a pastime; it becomes a ritual. A way to disconnect from the pressure of work and connect with something bigger.
If you’re looking for a way to inject a little playfulness into your hobby list, why not shake things up with a surprise? Brands like Mystershirt allow you to embrace the unexpected, like a business gamble but with guaranteed fun. All you do is order a jersey, and they deliver an authentic mystery football jersey. You never know which club’s jersey you’ll get, making each unboxing a mini adrenaline rush.
How to Find the Right Hobby for You
Not sure where to start? Here are a few questions to help you find your perfect hobby:
- What makes you happy? – Think back to what you loved as a kid. Were you obsessed with drawing? Did you collect trading cards? Chances are, you’d still enjoy some version of that now.
- What kind of break do you need? – Do you want to break a sweat by hiking or sports? Or do you need a more relaxing escape, like reading or gardening?
- Do you want to go solo or socialize? – Hobbies like painting or playing an instrument are perfect if you just want to be alone. If you want to socialize and spend casual time with others, join a football league or take a cooking class. These are also great ways to meet new people.
- Can it fit into your schedule? – If you’re short of time, choose a hobby that doesn’t require a big commitment. Things like journaling, photography, or a quick gym session are good for the entrepreneur on the go.
The Takeaway
All work, no play will make for a dull life, and it can impact how sharp you are at business. Being an entrepreneur isn’t just about work—it’s about building a lifestyle that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and, yes, fun.
A good hobby isn’t just a way to kill time; it’s an investment in your mental clarity, creativity, and overall happiness. So whether it’s football, painting, surfing, or something as simple as collecting jerseys from around the world, make time for something that lights you up. Your business (and your sanity) will thank you for it.