Rubbish at chosen hobby

[gottagetmeouttahere]

I have an an interest which I would so, so love to be good at. One that I could make some money from if I was good enough.

But after two starter courses, a year apart, I feel I'm pretty crap at it. There's so much to it, and I'm not interested in all aspects, but it's struggled to get to grips with the basics this week. I was literally on the verge of walking out in tears, I was so disappointed in myself. Although I think there's a bigger picture there just now maybe.

Has anyone taken up a hobby and managed to turn around how bad they are it? Or, have you tried and tried, and finally admitted defeat?

I do lots of sewing and knitting as a hobby, but for myself. A few well-meaning folks have suggested I sell my things or make them something. It's a hard no. I'm happy to offer to make something, or give something as a gift, but I am very much an amateur (and a bit of a perfectionist) and don't need the pressure.

FWIW I loved jewellery making, but gave up on hockey because I just don't have the quick reaction time needed. It's like there's a delayed reaction between my eyes and my brain, so by the time I've realised what's happening, it's too late. I would never be described as quick thinking or sharp 😬

You are putting waaaay too much pressure on yourself.

Physical dexterity that demands any kind of strength in the fingers takes time to learn. Hand-eye co-ordination takes a while to develop. Being able to visualise something in three dimensions in your mind's eye (and then create it from scratch) isn't going to happen overnight; the ability to do that could take years to become proficient.

My hobby involves - among other things - the artistic bending & coiling of different gauges of wire. By gum it's tricky. I've been doing it for 6 years and I still feel like I'm all thumbs and a total beginner some of the time.

If it's a hobby, it doesn't matter how bad you are - it's for fun!

How much time do you devote to it? With most things, proficiency only comes with lots of practice.

Just research all you can, and practice.
My main hobby is gardening, l love it , and l love learning, reseaching, as well as the practical side. Some things work, some things don't, but l enjoy it whatever. A few people have approached me and asked if l would be interested in doing theirs ? No, because once money is involved the fun would go out of it, plus l find my own enough. I get something more than money out of my hobby,it enriches my life in so many ways.