8 Famous Creatives Whose Side Hobbies Helped Their Careers (Infographic)

Cross-training has become a common practice in recent years, employers aim to cross-train their employees, athletes push to cross-train their bodies, and studies have shown that cross-training your brain is transformational for your career. Taking time away from your daily work to focus on a hobby or side gig can help remove creative blocks and inspire big ideas. Though the benefits of cross-training your brain are just being realized, the practice of taking time away from your craft to find inspiration is centuries old. Did you know that famous poet Emily Dickinson was an avid baker? She would often retreat to her kitchen and find so much inspiration that she would have to scrawl poems on the backs of her recipes.

Like Dickinson, we all need space to retreat and unlock our creativity. Whether you find inspiration in gardening, running, or in copy editing, practice that passion and you might find your next career breakthrough. If you don’t know what to do for a hobby or side hustle ask yourself these questions:

What am I passionate about? Is there a cause or an activity that stirs you? If you find that training people in the office brings you fulfillment, try tutoring or teaching English as a second language on the side. Fostering your passion can bring added satisfaction to your life in addition to inspiration for your career.

What is my favorite thing to do? Think about your perfect weekend. Imagine that you are sitting at home alone and have nothing to do. What do you choose to do to fill your time? Do you imagine yourself drawing or cooking? Finding a hobby that you love to do is key. It will be easier to motivate yourself to spend time doing an activity that excites you.

What makes your inner child happy? Think back to your childhood and remember what you loved doing. If you spent all your time playing with animals try walking pets or volunteering at the animal shelter. If you loved to ride bikes you might enjoy spinning or cycling. Spend a few days trying these activities and you might be surprised that you still enjoy your favorite childhood pastimes.

Where am I hitting a wall? If you are seeking out a hobby that will help your career, identify what areas you feel that you are facing roadblocks. If you are experiencing creativity blocks, try a hobby that you make something with your hands such as painting. If you feel a lack of motivation, try a hobby that allows you to challenge yourself like rock climbing.

Whether you work as an artist, a teacher, an engineer, or as a personal assistant, nurturing a hobby could be the key to a career breakthrough. The infographic below highlights 8 famous creatives whose side hobbies significantly impacted their careers. If you are struggling to find motivation or need a creative breakthrough, spend some time investing in your interests and see how cross-training your brain can impact your productivity and inspiration.