Hello everyone! Last time I told you all about all about how I decided to delve deeper into new subjects and now have several pet projects that I’m working on whenever I feel like it. It feels kind of liberating to be able to work on projects without having set deadlines. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that it’s really cool to have goals and something to work on, but at the same time, it can feel very restrictive and it might start to feel like work too much if you push yourself to work on a project when you don’t have the energy.

The best way is to probably have a set time to do things. Which is something I’m doing right now with my streaming on Twitch. I stream twice a week, on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoon. More if possible, but it just feels like this is a logical thing to do for the moment. It’s always a good idea to treat projects a bit like appointments you would normally have. Nearly nobody is late for their work, or yoga class, or other recurring appointments. So, if you treat working on your pet projects the same way, you’ll probably get a whole lot more done, because you’re actively reserving time to work on them.

Always something to work on

But that’s enough waffling. This blog is about the joy that pet projects can bring. Everybody needs a hobby and doing something creatively with a project is just about the most fun I can imagine, because you’re also learning something new, delving into new subjects, developing yourself. That on its own is a big reward.

For me, when it came to choosing my two new projects, it was clear that I wanted to create content around video games. I have a lot of knowledge about the industry and history, and I’m quite skilled at playig most games, enough that I feel confident about streaming it live. But the most important thing is; it’s something I’m very passionate about. Something that gives me energy and that’s one of the biggest takeaways for me. Pet projects need to give you energy!

Please check out my Twitch if you love video games, especially retro ones!

Sharing is caring

Another thing, for me, that’s something I like about these projects is that I get to share my knowledge. I feel that I’m in a place now that I’m old enough to sound credible, and wise enough to know that I could make a difference in someone’s life. If even one person learns something new, or is at least entertained by what I do, that’s enough for me. I think this is also what pet projects are supposed to bring. If you’re passionate about a subject, why not share it with others? A big part of our lives are about sharing with others and I found there are so much people who really enjoy the things I enjoy too, it’s great to be able to share it with one another.

Sharing in this case works both ways, I think. Because if you find people who already know a lot about a subject you’re looking to delve into, you can often find great communities both online and offline that will offer their advice happily to newcomers. This is how my streaming adventure has started on Twitch, because a friend of mine is already doing it and I asked him for advice. And now we often talk about the subject, exchanging ideas and plans for the future!

So, what’s your next pet project going to be?

Pet projects really give a lot of energy, because it’s something you’re passionate about. Something you wish to become good at, or at least adequate enough to enjoy it. Have you ever dreamed of doing something, but you put it off for too long? Please, don’t and try to delve into it. I’m certain that it will bring you a lot of joy and a whole new perspective on life even! I know I’m grateful that I’ve finally dipped into some new territory and I can’t wait to see what it’ll bring me!

Happy Work!

Jeffrey