For years, I dreamed of starting a new hobby. Tennis caught my eye (thanks, Netflix!), and I even went as far as calling local tennis clubs to inquire about lessons.
But every time they asked if I wanted to book a session, fear froze me in my tracks. Was I really ready to step outside my comfort zone and try something completely new?
No way. It felt impossible.
Looking back, it’s easy to see how irrational my fear was, but at the time, it felt all-consuming. A hobby is supposed to be fun, right?
Something that brings joy and balance to life. Yet, the thought of actually starting one left me paralysed. I even brought it up with my life coach because I couldn’t understand why something so seemingly simple felt so hard.
If you’re feeling this way, let me tell you: You’re not alone. It’s perfectly normal to fear starting a hobby, and there are plenty of reasons why:
You don’t want to mess up in front of strangers.
Fear of the unknown is real.
You’re worried about being judged by friends or family.
You’re unsure if you can commit enough time to make it worthwhile.
The cost of equipment or lessons might seem daunting.
These fears are valid, but here’s the good news: the benefits of starting a hobby far outweigh the concerns.
Six months ago, I finally took the plunge, and now I’m here to share everything I learned about starting a new hobby in your 30s.
How Padel Became My Passion
I’ll be honest—I didn’t even know what padel was when I started. I’d seen the courts near my house and was curious, but I had no idea how to play, what the rules were, or even how to hold a racket.
To make matters worse, padel requires four players, and I didn’t know anyone else who played. Everything about it felt like a challenge.
But instead of letting those challenges stop me, I decided to go for it. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Here’s what starting padel taught me:
Personal Growth and Confidence
Padel has had a profound impact on my physical and mental well-being. Not only does it keep me fit, but it’s also become a form of self-care I didn’t know I needed.
One of the biggest hurdles was stepping out of my comfort zone. To play, I had to join open matches with strangers. I even signed up for a tournament with 11 people I’d never met. Was I nervous? Absolutely. But each time, I walked away feeling more confident and proud of myself for trying.
Starting a hobby pushes your boundaries in the best way possible. Over time, you’ll find yourself growing in ways you never expected.
New Skill = More Brain Power
Learning a new skill is extremely beneficial for keeping our brains young and in check.
According to Upskilled ‘Learning in later life is a way to protect the brain against ageing because it promotes ‘neuroplasticity’ (the brain’s ability to develop new neural pathways).’
At first, I struggled with the rules and technique of padel, but as I practiced, I noticed improvements not just on the court but in my patience and problem-solving abilities.
A new hobby is more than just fun—it’s a workout for your mind.
Make Friends Or Meet Your Future Husband
Some of our most popular posts on this blog are about meeting new people, and let me tell you, a hobby is one of the best ways to do it.
Joining a class or group can feel intimidating at first, but everyone there has been in your shoes. Once you get past that initial awkwardness, it becomes much easier to build connections.
In my case, I’ve made amazing friends through padel. And who knows? Your new hobby could even lead to meeting a future husband or wife or even a business partner.
Pure Happiness
Padel has become one of my happy places. There’s something so fulfilling about doing an activity purely for the joy of it.
Sure, I’m not the ‘David Beckham’ of padel, and I’ll never play professionally—but that’s not the point.
The real joy comes from seeing yourself improve over time, sharing tips with others, and simply having fun. A hobby doesn’t have to be serious or perfect. It just has to make you happy.
Take the Leap!
Starting a hobby in your 30s (or at any age) can feel intimidating, but it’s so worth it. The benefits—personal growth, new connections, and sheer happiness—far outweigh any initial fears. So don’t wait for the perfect moment or skill level.
Take that first step. Book the lesson, join the group, or pick up the equipment. You might just discover a passion that changes your life.
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