What is the Difference Between Hobbies & Passions?

Hobbies vs. Passions…

A hobby is something that you enjoy doing in your free time, while a passion is something that you are deeply interested in and motivated to pursue. A hobby can become a passion if you are dedicated to it and willing to put in the time and effort to become an expert in it.

Some people may have multiple hobbies, but they may only have one or a few passions.

It’s important to note that not everyone will have the same definition of a hobby or a passion, and the distinction between the two can be somewhat subjective.

Ultimately, the difference between a hobby and a passion is a matter of how much time, effort, and enthusiasm you are willing to put into something.

hobby and photography passion; woman fixing setting on a camera
photo: Joseph Chan

What are Hobbies?

A hobby is considered to be a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time. Hobbies include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other amusements. - Wikipedia

Hobbies are activities that you do for fun or enjoyment in your free time.

It can be an activity that you engage in regularly, or something that you only do occasionally.

Examples of hobbies include things like reading, gardening, crafting, playing instruments, or listening to music.

A hobby is often something that you do to relax and unwind and dabble in, and it can provide a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and joy.

Looking to try a new hobby but don’t know where to start? Check out our article How to Find a New Hobby (Explore Your Interests & Start Something New).

man sitting by lake at sunrise fishing
photo: Pink_colibri

What are Passions?

A passion is any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling; a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything. - Dictionary.com

A passion, on the other hand, is something that you are deeply interested in and motivated to pursue.

It is something that you care about deeply, and that you are willing to put a lot of time and effort into. Where a hobby leans more on enjoyment a passion may lean more on dedication, learning and growth.

A passion can be a hobby, but it goes beyond just enjoyment and relaxation. It is something that drives you and motivates you to achieve your goals.

For example, if you enjoy playing guitar as a hobby, you might spend a few hours each week practicing and playing for fun.

If playing guitar is your passion, you might spend several hours each day practicing, studying different styles and techniques, and working on your skills. You might also be motivated to start a band, perform in front of others, and release official music.

A passion can also be something that you are not yet good at, but that you are willing to work hard to become proficient in.

A passion is something that a person is deeply interested in and deeply committed to. It is something that a person feels strongly about and is willing to devote a lot of time and energy to. A passion is often something that a person is deeply interested and invested in and gives them a sense of purpose or meaning in life.

man on stage with guitar, smoke and spotlight on him.  Passionate about playing guitar
photo: Sam Moghadam Khamseh

Conclusion

In short, the difference between a hobby and a passion is a matter of dedication, commitment and intention.

A hobby is something that you mostly do for fun and enjoyment, while a passion is something that you are motivated to pursue and become proficient in, often with a specific goal in mind.

It’s important to note that not everyone will have the same definition of a hobby or a passion, and the distinction between the two can be somewhat subjective and may overlap in meaning.

Looking for a new hobby or pastime? Check out our Huge List of Hobbies from A to Z here for tons of hobby ideas!

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