My 2013 resolutions have led me to read some articles about decision making, time management, career progression and other self-help advice that I thought only worked for Bridget Jones. I read that employers are more interested in what you do in your spare time than in your 9 to 5 routine. That means they look for people with a hobby.

I’ve been thinking what is my hobby? And honestly, I don’t feel attached to partaking in some activity religiously every weekend, apart from doing something new. My volleyball training, candle making and guitar lessons never went further than a couple of months. And socializing, photography and Internet don’t count as became everyday and everyone’s activities. I find it difficult to summarize all the things that I enjoy in a word, unless you say “life”. Hopefully writing a post about it could help me to find one.

Let’s start thinking about other people’s hobbies, that may bring something to mind. My friend Dairo Vargas, when I first I met him he was an Art Director. Advertising was his job and painting was his hobby; 8 years later painting is now his main income. Every three months he prepares an exhibition in London and 50% of its revenue goes to children in his hometown of Huila, Colombia, to a school called “La Escalereta”. He is an incredible human being indeed; my mother says he deserves to go to heaven [of course not yet]. Have a look at his talented work here.

The moral is…if you feel passionate about something, that must be your main activity, because you will be great at it. You will enjoy spending hours and hours doing it and at the end it will be worth it.

From another perspective, what you do is not as important as what you do for others. That is even more satisfying. If employers are interested in your personal activities, try to do something that benefits others.

Just like you did a week ago, December was all about others, not us. Sharing was trendy at Christmas, we thought of others, we bought gifts, we cared about spending time together. Although, we should do it more often. Imagine what we could achieve if we all start changing the world in our spare time.

Come on Hobbyists! Join me, let’s find a hobby that benefits others rather than just you. If you find one quicker share it with #hobby2013