Before I begin to answer the question myself I want to define what I mean by Hobby. My definition of Hobby is "Anything you do in relation or because of Wargaming". This can be games, painting, list building, Blogging, YouTube videos, Podcasts, large community projects, or anything else that fits the definition. For some people, the Hobby defines us, while with others we define out Hobby and it is fascinating how we can be so vastly different regarding why we Hobby, but be more unified as a community because of it.
There are many reasons why someone would choose to Hobby. Some want to compete at the top tables at large events, some wish to paint thematic armies and tell stories. There are those who are about winning trophies whether it is through games or painting. I imagine there are some who are just trying to be well-known in the community, although I believe this as a driving goal is a poor reason. Those who are well-known painters or competitors on the table are well-known because their goal was to be the best painter or become the best player they could. If you are unsure of what your goal is I suggest checking out my old article series "Life Lessons and Wargaming".
It may also be good to touch on the concept that motivation does not mean amount of time put into the Hobby. While those who are highly motivated might indeed take on multiple projects at once, but that doesn't mean the person painting a single model for a painting competition is any less motivated. Humans are very different creatures and while there are those like myself who enjoy multitasking and feel highly motivated to work on multiple projects. There are those who are just as motivated, if not more so that focus on a single task or project. It is a grey area, but when you can see how motivated someone is through their passion in this Hobby.
So why do I Hobby? When I proposed the idea to myself it initially felt intangible and to broad and open to properly put into words, but the more I thought about it the more I was able to cement the idea and bring it to the ground. The answer for me is that I hobby for myself and my wellbeing. It is the same reason I lift weights and go to the gym daily. It sounds a bit odd comparing two vastly different hobbies and cultures, but the comparison works for me.
Talking in the various chats I am a part of as well as Twitter interaction brings me great joy throughout my day and a welcome distraction to the stresses or work and life. When I build lists and theory craft with others really fulfills my need to problem solve and the enjoyment that process brings. Painting is a therapeutic escape where the world disappears as I move paint around a model. The various community projects energize me as I work with fantastic people and great friends knowing we are looking to offer positive impact to the community as a whole and help Age of Sigmar grow. I cannot forget gaming in all of this as it is the culmination of our efforts where we get to enjoy meeting and playing people. Doing this Hobby for myself and my wellbeing has really allowed me to identify with the game and the positive impact it can have.
While the improvement of my wellbeing is what I feel the major part of why I do this Hobby I know there are other reasons as well mixed in such as wanting to help the community grow, make new friends, etc... That is okay as I know over time my reason may adapt and change as is natural. So why do you Hobby? I would be excited to hear in the comments below and see what discussions form from the question. Perhaps, by doing that you will help others discover why they hobby.
Until Next Week, Happy Hobbying.
Chuck Moore