Choosing a 2023 select hobby felt like a major task for a lot of us who were finally getting back into the swing of a "normal" social calendar after a few years of uncertainty. It wasn't just about filling time anymore; it was about finding something that actually felt meaningful and gave us a break from the constant digital noise. We've all been there—scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, seeing someone make incredible sourdough or build a custom PC, and thinking, "Yeah, I could do that." But then reality hits, and you realize you need a plan if you're actually going to make it past the first week.
I think the biggest shift in 2023 was the move away from "hustle culture" hobbies. People stopped trying to monetize every single thing they did in their spare time. Instead of "How can I sell this on Etsy?" the vibe shifted to "How can I enjoy this without checking my phone?" It's a subtle difference, but it changes everything about how you approach a new pastime.
Why narrowing things down matters
Let's be honest, we usually have way too many interests and not nearly enough time. You might want to learn Italian, start a container garden, and finally figure out how to play chess all at the same time. The problem is that when you try to do everything, you end up doing nothing well. That's where the idea of a "select" hobby comes in. By picking one primary thing to focus on for the year, you give yourself the breathing room to actually get good at it.
There's something incredibly satisfying about the "deep dive." When you commit to just one thing, you stop being a perpetual beginner. You start to understand the nuances. If you picked up photography, you stop just "taking pictures" and start understanding how light works. If you chose hiking, you're not just walking through the woods; you're learning about gear, trail etiquette, and your own physical limits. That transition from amateur to enthusiast is where the real fun happens.
Finding what actually clicks for you
So, how do you actually land on that one thing? It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. My advice is to look at how you naturally spend your downtime when you aren't trying to be productive.
The "Too many choices" problem
We live in an age of infinite tutorials. You can learn literally anything on YouTube for free. While that's awesome, it also creates a bit of analysis paralysis. If you spent the first half of 2023 jumping from one thing to another, don't beat yourself up. That was just the "sampling phase." To find your 2023 select hobby, you have to look for the thing that doesn't feel like another chore on your to-do list.
Look back at what you used to love
Sometimes the best new hobby is an old one you forgot about. Think back to what you did as a kid before life got all "adult" and complicated. Did you love drawing? Were you obsessed with LEGO? Did you spend every afternoon on a bike? Often, those childhood sparks are still there, just buried under years of emails and responsibilities. Reclaiming that sense of play is a huge part of why hobbies are so important for our mental health.
Some popular choices that dominated 2023
Looking back at the year, a few specific trends really stood out. These weren't just flashes in the pan; they were activities that allowed for a lot of personal growth and community connection.
Low-stakes creative outlets
Pottery and ceramics had a massive moment in 2023. There's something about getting your hands dirty and physically making an object that resonates with people who spend all day looking at screens. It's tactile, it's messy, and it's impossible to check your emails while your hands are covered in clay. Even if you ended up with a lopsided mug, it was your lopsided mug.
Another big one was analog photography. Film cameras made a huge comeback. People started to appreciate the "slow" process—having a limited number of shots, waiting for the film to be developed, and not knowing exactly how the photos would turn out. It's the exact opposite of the instant gratification we get from our smartphones, and that's exactly why people loved it.
Getting outside and moving
Pickleball. I can't write about hobbies in 2023 without mentioning pickleball. It seemed like every empty tennis court in the country was suddenly full of people playing this weird, loud, incredibly social game. It's the perfect hobby because the barrier to entry is so low. You don't need to be an elite athlete to have a good time, and it's a great way to meet people in your neighborhood.
On the more solitary side, trail running and "rucking" (walking with a weighted backpack) saw a huge spike. People wanted to get out of the gym and into nature. It wasn't just about the workout; it was about the change of scenery and the mental clarity that comes with being outdoors.
Making it part of your routine
The hardest part of any new hobby isn't the beginning; it's the three-week mark. That's usually when the initial excitement wears off and the actual work starts. If you want your 2023 select hobby to stick, you have to build a system around it.
Don't tell yourself you'll do it "when you have time." You won't. You have to make the time. Even if it's just 20 minutes on a Tuesday night, put it in your calendar. Treat it like an appointment with yourself that you can't cancel. Also, make it easy to start. If your hobby is painting, don't keep all your supplies tucked away in a closet. Keep them out on a desk or in a dedicated spot so you can jump right in without ten minutes of setup.
Dealing with the inevitable frustration
You are going to suck at first. There's no way around it. Whether you're learning to play the guitar, trying to knit a sweater, or starting to code, your first attempts are going to be pretty bad. In our culture of perfectionism, this can be really discouraging. We see experts on social media making things look effortless, but we don't see the thousands of hours of failure that got them there.
The key is to embrace the "suck." There's actually a lot of freedom in being a beginner. You have no reputation to protect and no expectations to meet. If you can learn to laugh at your mistakes, you're much more likely to keep going. Remember, the goal of a hobby isn't necessarily to be the best in the world; it's to enjoy the process of getting a little bit better than you were yesterday.
Finding your community
While some hobbies are solo pursuits, almost all of them are better when you have people to talk to about them. Whether it's an online forum, a local club, or just a friend who's doing it with you, having a community makes a world of difference.
In 2023, we saw a lot of "hobby groups" popping up on apps like Meetup or even through Discord servers. Being able to share your progress, ask for advice when you're stuck, and geek out over gear with people who actually care is half the fun. It turns a personal interest into a social outlet, which is something a lot of us really needed this year.
At the end of the day, your 2023 select hobby should be something that makes you feel more like yourself. It shouldn't feel like another obligation. If you find yourself dreading it, it's okay to pivot! The point is to explore, learn, and give your brain a break from the grind. So, if you haven't found your thing yet, keep looking. It's out there, and once you find it, you'll wonder how you ever got through the week without it.