Power of Hobbies

"Hobbies are one of the most potent methods for launching something of meaning and lasting value."

I saw this anonymous quote and it struck a chord with me. There has been a great deal of interest recently from staff coming up with new course offerings for next year. I find these conversations very interesting and exciting as ideas are bounced around regarding the content and logistics about how the new classes can happen. What this means is that we need to find areas of interest that appeal to both the teacher and the students, for when that happens you get fantastic buy in and interest.

This made me wonder, what things appeal to us, regardless of age? The following observations are not scientifically reliable as they are based on thinking about my parents, myself and my kids and where our interests overlap.

1. Building something - not all the time, but there is a certain satisfaction with building, creating, cooking, fixing, painting... making something tangible. Not all the time, but certainly for part of the time.

2. Movement - hiking, walking, running, exercising with a challenge or goal. The challenge can be faster or slower and getting started can seem like an effort, but once you get going it is rewarding.

3. Pop music - we can deny it, but a pop song is catchy and stays in your head. The tried and true I-IV-V chord progression with a nice melody appealed to us years ago and still does. (Note that this does not hold true for classical, jazz, hard rock, rap or other specific genres. We may have some specific artists or songs that  we like but that becomes very personal and others often will not share your enthusiasm no matter how hard you force it upon them). 

4. Accessing Information - the content of what we like is different, but the process of finding it is appealing regardless of age. 

5. Health -  there is a fascination with learning about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle and diet. Now whether we implement and actually live healthy is another question.


Do you agree with this list? What would you add or take away?

A little humility goes a long way

It is always interesting to watch the inevitable wave from anonymity to popularity to target of criticism when a person or organisation achieves notoriety.

Pick almost any singer or band who has had a hit song, then began performing in stadiums and now play bars on the small town circuit (e.g. I noticed a sign a few years ago that Platinum Blonde was playing the now torn down Galaxy Night Club in Duncan, Trooper has been doing this for the past twenty years, where are Alannah Myles, Corey Hart and Glass Tiger today? Justin Bieber might want to save the money he's making now...). Roberto Luongo is statistically in the top three active goalies in the NHL yet the fans want him traded. It is likely that everyone was cheating when Lance Armstrong was winning bike races yet he is the face of disgrace. The Atkins diet is the solution, until researchers find it is not.

What about education? Possibly the worst thing that can happen to a public school is to be singled out for greatness by an outfit like the Fraser Institute in their school rankings. The scrutiny and criticism would begin within days, much like it does for the elite private schools who choose their clientele and teach to the test to ensure a good rating (I suppose I should feel bad about picking at the aforementioned private schools for coming out on top... but I don't). Likewise for individual educators who are singled out for awards or praise. It can be very difficult for someone to navigate the waters within their schools or districts after winning special recognition.

More people will get on board with ideas and initiatives if they are being done to improve the experience of the kids. As soon as one person or school is singled out for greatness, the other people or schools will shy away thereby lessening the impact of the action. A group collaborating is always more powerful than an individual.

A little humility can go a long way. Lets be the Tragically Hip's, Sami Salos, Daniel Nestors, Bruce Cockburns or the balanced healthy eaters in our work. The memorable, solid performer that has done great work over  the long haul as opposed to going off like a roman candle for a short ride.