Seddit, what hobbies and activities do you regularly do NOW that you didn't do before to improve yourself and keep busy? What did you try that didn't stick? What do you still want to try?

dirty_mirror · 2012-09-25T17:34:24+00:00

Before I began self-improvement: an endless anxiety fueled stimulation cycle of junk food, masturbation, and COD.

Things I do: road cycling, mountain biking, running, swimming, meditation, car meets, disc golf

Thins I want to do: yoga, dance lessons, more swimming, triathlons, rugby, wild MFFFFFFFFF orgies

edit: added a couple things

Deeeeeeevin · 2012-09-25T18:45:19+00:00

After a pretty shitty break up with my ex six or so months ago, who's a gymnast at an elite out of state college, I turned everything around and began by trying to be better than her in any way I could. I ended up realizing that I was really only doing these things for myself, and I really stopped caring about my original reason for changing things. And I am happier now than I ever was before, I'd like to thank her for that, whether I ever saw her again or not.

Things I do:

Buckled down in school and got excelling grades, instead of having the 'go with the flow attitude' (Neuroscience major) -Climbing (bouldering, top rope, sport, soloing, indoor/outdoor)

-Regularly going to the gym (Put on 15-20lbs of muscle, I was rather underweight before)

-Got back into riding my bike at newly built bike parks in my city (A little rusty, but still pretty good)

-Smoothed out and enhanced the Spanish I already know (Tengo que vender zapatos a mi trabajo)

-I picked up also learning Italian while my ex an I were still together, and I have only increased my learning rate.

-Tried kiteboarding, wakeboarding, bought a longboard, and started doing MANY more outdoorsy activities that I cannot exactly think of right now.

More recently:

-I started working towards getting my skydiving license (Currently on level 3)

-This subreddit has pushed me to be more social than I ever have been before (with meeting girls and making more guy friends alike), and I can see the effects it has had on my social life and my happiness in all aspects.

What I want for the future:

-Get enough experience and the right equipment to start BASE jumps following enough skydiving experience

-Make more friends, different social groups all around

-Try EVERYTHING

superdeedapper · 2012-09-25T19:31:09+00:00

I took up skydiving 2 years ago. I am now a USPA licensed skydiver and can skydive unsupervised anywhere in the world. I plan to continue on and get instructor ratings so I can teach and share the fun and joy I get from jumping from 13000 feet.

easternone · 2012-09-25T21:10:20+00:00

Funnily enough, before I started reading into self improvement, innergame and seduction, my life was rather mundane and boring.

I seemed to focus on drinking with only friends and pretty much vegetated at home when not, thinking about how awesome it'd be to be confident to chat up most, if not anyone.

Fast forward a few months.

I no longer drink I go to the gym 3-4 times a week I feel great I spend more time indulging in things I enjoy, such as art, my music, even playing video games and not giving a shit about what anyone thinks I've started expanding my social circle and my personal favourite I no longer crave the social validation of a girl liking me, I get that from me liking me and enjoying what I do. I no longer feel guilty sitting home playing video games nor do I feel guilty wandering around London talking to strangers all day.

I love this shit.

I realise I've missed the formatting of this post. also I got a promotion and am in training for another.

Z0bie · 2012-09-25T17:59:27+00:00

Things I did before Seddit - nothing. Vidya games and TV

Things I do now - Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, Rafting, I got a job as a cook at a restaurant, and I'm training to DJ an indie rock show on the local college radio station

Things I want to do - Rock climbing, weight lifting, hitchhiking, learn to play fiddle, brew wine, and I'm trying to move from cook to bartender.

matthewguitar · 2012-09-25T20:31:06+00:00

Dayum. This thread is inspirational.

sdbear · 2012-09-25T19:08:23+00:00

It has taken awhile, I'm 71, but I am reaching the stage where I am beginning to realize that I never needed to improve myself. I was and am just fine being me. In fact, the more that I realized that I wasn't in need of improvement the more that I begin to truly approve of myself. I sort of regret all the time wasted on self-improvement, but not really.

canadian_stig · 2012-09-25T21:19:14+00:00

I love Seddit posts like these. I'm always on the look out for trying something new & creative that I may not have thought of....

Things I did before:

My ex-gf.
Nothing. Short story: With my ex-GF, I was miserable, no self-esteem or confidence, became fat, lived in emotional terror, etc.

What I do regularly:

Weight Lifting
Fly air planes (recreational)
Working on starting a new business (Failed 2. Will not give up)

Things I tried:

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Photography (Lingerie & erotic shoots)
French
Volunteering
Started several businesses (software, entertainment, etc)
Heli-skiing
Surfing
Half-Marathon, Tough Mudder
Rock climbing

Things I want to try:

Fly across the Atlantic ocean
Visit the North Pole
Learn the violin/piano
See the aurora lights

There is so much actually but this is just the top of my head.

Edit: I think one thing that I just learned recently from another Seddit post is that I don't need to wait on anybody to make things happen. I think it's important to note that here too. Other people here may think all these ideas are cool if you had a friend to go with. I'll tell you know, I've had sooooo many ideas and activities I wanted to do for so long. Right now though... I'm getting tired of begging people to come and slowly I'm just coming to accept that I should just go out on my own.

big_reddit-squid · 2012-09-25T20:32:40+00:00

God we're all the same huh?

i_liek_girls · 2012-09-25T18:26:43+00:00

I've seen these mentioned before, but what exactly are "improv" classes?

Waitwhatwtf · 2012-09-26T01:49:43+00:00

DRAWING IS THE BEST THING IN THE UNIVERSE

Motherfucka, let me tell you about why you should stop being a bitch-ass and start drawing.

First off, this shit is amazing at clearing your head. It's like a fucking dry-eraser for your brain. One minute, you're going through your head, shitting bricks about what's coming up; the next minute you're drawing unicorns with naked bitches on them. Awwwww yeahhhh.

Second off, this shit will get you laid like a mofucka. One minute you're all "aww, how do I get my sad-ass all talkin' to her" and the next? BAM LET ME SEE YO TITTIES I CAN DRAW THEM SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOD.

In short, drawing is a fine way to release stress and express oneself creatively in a safe and gentle environment.

livinglogic · 2012-09-25T19:10:52+00:00

Things I do: running, kung fu, documentary style filmmaking, writing (a book), learning about agriculture (I've recently moved to a small potato farming town for work), photography, lots of experimental cooking.

things I want to do: biking (buy a nice road bike), more hiking, promotional filmmaking for corporate and small businesses.

flashbangace · 2012-09-25T21:11:32+00:00

How is it that i get this feeling, that none of you guys works on a shitty job?

thx_benevenstanciano · 2012-09-26T02:29:11+00:00

I work 50 to 60 hours per week. It's all I can do to go out at all. But I do recommend boxing classes.

UnapologeticalyAlive · 2012-09-25T18:21:07+00:00

Things I do: dance classes and performances, improv classes, weightlifting, hosting parties, hiking

Things that didn't work out: pool league, street racing, scuba diving, meditation, rock climbing

Things I want to do: cooking classes, yoga, photography, more travelling

2012-09-25T20:31:27+00:00

I spend a lot of time with my guitar. The difference in pre-self improvement me and post-self improvement me is that I don't really ever talk about it or make a big deal about it. I really hate when people broadcast that they play guitar. But it's something I can put my time and effort into that really helps me relax and express my creativity. I've also spent a lot more time reading, though not nearly as much as I'd like to. I haven't exactly made nofap a huge part of my life, but I've stopped looking at porn completely. I work out and stretch regularly, and I try to eat pretty healthy.

Things I need to do more of still: read, exercise, spend time away from internet/video games (ironic that I'm on reddit right now), drawing/art

Things I want to try: dancing lessons, skydiving, mountaineering/survivalism stuff, yoga, join a pool-league, volunteer regularly at a homeless shelter.

Ormild · 2012-09-25T20:50:19+00:00

Things I did before:

Play WoW
Play Heroes of Newerth
Sit on Computer all day

Things I do now:

Workout (lifting)
Dancing
Meditation
Learning about fashion

Things I tried:

Boxing
Improv
Salsa

Things I want to try:

Yoga
Learn French or Japanese
Skydiving

Self-improvement has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. These hobbies have made me more interesting, fun, and confident. I'm still no where close to where I want to be in terms of my social life, but damnit I'll make it happen!

Falkrik · 2012-09-25T21:23:49+00:00

Probably cook, I used to feel 'too lazy' to do it.

I have boat loads of free time and now that I'm becoming more serious in sports and nutrition, i find myself making all kinds of food; and many healthy alternatives to dishes.

cajunspice · 2012-09-25T22:21:35+00:00

Self-improvement should be for yourself, not for other people, or what you think would make you "seem cooler". If you go in with those attitudes, then you'll quit eventually.

Things I do:

Painting

Sword fighting

Reading literary classics

Writing

Piano Lessons

Designing or altering clothes

Learning to cook interesting things

Make things out of wood, so far I've made a spoon, spatula, short bow (with real feather arrows), and a caduceus. I want to make an arcade cabinet next but need some more tools and space.

GertheGiraffe · 2012-09-26T00:53:07+00:00

Do you mind me asking if you still get high? I still smoke, but not as often as I used to and simply as a means of having fun. I don't let it interfere negatively in my life, but I was wondering your take on it.

Nabert · 2012-09-26T05:02:00+00:00

Before I began self-improvement, it was a big cycle of video games, watching anime, junk food and masturbation.

I haven't completely kicked all of those habits (I mean, video games are still a great past time for me) but I've definitely cut down on everything substantially, and enjoy some new activities like working out and meditation. I also got back into a lot of things I used to do when I was a lot younger: I play ice hockey again, I took the piano up again, I write short stories (as well as a giant novel I hope to one day finish) and I got back into reading as a past time.

HumanSockPuppet · 2012-09-26T05:39:06+00:00

This is one of the little understood things about modern PU artistry.

PUA will teach you how to approach women, methods for overcoming your anxiety, and how to take a woman's natural reluctance and help her relax so that seduction can occur.

But beyond that, it's really about self-improvement. Having an interesting and fulfilling life is the surest way to build confidence so that anxiety and self-doubt become easier obstacles to overcome. Having a wealth of experiences gives you material to use during conversation, and being good at something gives you the air of authority needed to really command the attention of a group and get women interested.

It's about making yourself a better man for YOU. When you're awesome, the ladies become a secondary consideration, not even worth stressing about.

RazzleDazzle_ · 2012-09-26T05:57:21+00:00

Motorcycles. For the past 4 years my life has revolved around them. Fuck gettig validation from women. I get validation by clipping apexes and pushing my limits on my sportbike.

Braking hard on your brake marker, adjusting your body position and hanging off, shoving the bike into the corner, clipping the apex, and firing it out as soon as you see the exit is what matters to me.

Of course I'm a huge motorcycle racing fan (MOTOGP).

2012-09-25T18:28:05+00:00

Improv classes are great.

paladin_ · 2012-09-25T23:49:00+00:00

What I did before: study fence (profissionally, in my case) play vidya and read get high and watch movies workout practice magic and illusions go out with friend(s)

What I do now Same. My life hasnt changed at all, and I havent found anything interesting or worth doing in my city. I'm still kinda afraid of going out by myself, so I just stay home or at the campus. It's really hard to make me do new stuff when there's not so much to do here. So yeah, I'm now going to get high and watch a movie.

King_Tofu · 2012-09-25T20:16:58+00:00

still in the process of taking control of my life but things before: videogames, anime, comics, and books

things now: weightlifting, gymnastics (starting soon), choir, the occasional comic & videogame

things in the near future: backpacking, photography, rockclimbing, some accepello, ukulele, improv

chrizzo81 · 2012-09-25T20:52:49+00:00

Since you listed Muay Thai and BJJ, I was wondering: what was the reason you only tried and then (I assume) quit? I am asking because I am considering to start Kickboxing/BJJ.

moussif · 2012-09-25T21:12:14+00:00

Not as much as you guys as I don't have the time but I started working out and joined a Muay Thai club for 9 months already. I enjoy it a lot.

Tried climbing but for now I can't really afford it on a regular basis but as soon as I get a nice job I will do it during the weekends.

Going to festivals now as this was new to me, helps me get out of my comfort zone.

Edit: grammar

Not_Nat · 2012-09-25T22:02:47+00:00

Before I began self improving: Mi ex GF, fail school, nothing, watch TV, more nothing, play guitar

Things I do: Work out fucking hard, study fucking hard, read a shitload, practice PUA related material, play guitar, drums, keyboard and sing

Things that didnt stick: Yoga

Things I still want to do: Tae Kwon Do, Improv classes, Teathre classes

Sniper_Extreme · 2012-09-25T22:06:47+00:00

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dashzed · 2012-09-25T22:18:51+00:00

Well one of the activities that go me through high school was Swing Dancig, more specifically West Coast Swing(worth a google if you aren't familiar).

It really helped me meet new people(including girls), as well as feel more comfortable in my own body. I started out swing dance when I was 12 or so, and now I compete all around the country, it's really quite fun.

vizzzzion · 2012-09-25T23:30:15+00:00

I rap and make music which is interesting but nothing else. Not athletic in the slightest so can you guys suggest me shit to do to become more active?

Sniper_Extreme · 2012-09-25T23:41:49+00:00

Things I did before: * Spent time with my (ex) girlfriend, * Sat on my computer all day, * Play video games,

Things I do now: * Still kinda sit on the computer (I don't as much as I used to), * Work at my job, * Talk to people I don't know yet to get comfortable, * Take acting classes at college, * Audition for shows, * Work out, * Spend time with my family,

Things I want to do: * Rap with a friend of mine, * Write and perform poetry, * Guitar Lessons, * Spend more time with old friends, * Get a new girlfriend, * FORGET ABOUT MY EX,

Edit: I really botched this list so it's kinda hard to read.

GoldenWarrior · 2012-09-26T00:24:13+00:00

What I do now:

Intramurals:

Flag Football
Volleyball
Hockey (Ice is the only real hockey)

Other:

Jazz Funk class (dance)
Pick new recipes every week that I want to try and cook
Workout 5 days a week

In the future:

I plan to learn some Muay Thai from a friend, then join an actual class
Rock climbing
Surfing (assuming I ever relocate somewhere with actual waves/oceans)

edit: Oh and I'm still a huge gamer. But I guess when you live in a house of all guys with 4 xboxs, a Wii and an N64 it's hard to avoid kicking their asses.

gentleclown · 2012-09-26T00:56:48+00:00

Fencer here. Rewarding sport. Incredibly rewarding. Keeps you in great shape. Takes a loooot of time investment up front at first though.

gabriot · 2012-09-26T01:03:59+00:00

Working out, haven't really missed a day in 2 years

Singing - been with a few bands and played a few shows so far, take singing lessons from various people every now and then as well

BJJ - Self defense, although had to quit because of a shoulder injury

I used to be an avid runner, could win pretty much any race I entered as long as there weren't top notch elite runners competing - had to quit that because it made me horribly skinny.

None of these have seemed to help me that much unfortunately.

JohnC53 · 2012-09-26T02:33:16+00:00

Sailing. Disc golf. Running. I also make more of an effort to FB when I do these things.

dallasdog · 2012-09-26T02:48:58+00:00

Toastmasters

62585 · 2012-09-26T03:23:30+00:00

Aerials classes. I even joined a circus production.

TheoColt · 2012-09-26T04:19:12+00:00

Before self-improvement: Video games, go out to the bar with my boys and drink with them, video games, and repeat.

Now: I work at a radio station as a DJ, work downtown at a TV station (most kick ass job I've ever had), go to the gym every day with my friend who is in school for personal training, in school full time. And if there is time, video games.

What I want to do: Rock climbing, swim in the river near my room.

dbenz · 2012-09-26T04:38:32+00:00

I'm youngest out of my group of friends and about 90% of them graduated last spring and moved out of town. I needed to make new friends so I joined the swim club at my university. I prior to this I had no experience swimming on team, it has been one of the best decisions I've made in awhile

Lanai · 2012-09-26T05:29:11+00:00

What I did before:

Oneitis

What I do now:

Regularly go out and meet new people. Talk to everyone. Work out Meditation Biking Go to museums and local events. Volunteer

What I want to try:

Breakdance Rock Climbing Cooking Classes

reigorius · 2012-09-26T08:03:45+00:00

Nice post archaicfrost.

What I did before:

*Absolutely nothing. Sit at home, play games, drink, ruin my relationship.

What I do regularly NOW:

*Climbing, two/three times a week

*Salsa, once a week

*Surfing in the weekends, if the waves allow for it.

Things I tried that didn't stick:

*Krav Maga. I did it before for half a year. Tried to get back to it. But climbing is so much more fun.

Things I still want to try:

*Running

*Mindfulness/meditation

*Singing!

*Being able to play a musical instrument.

*Find a spiritual guide/teacher.

And I would like to start dating, but I don't feel ready for it. It's like covering up an empty space instead of sharing my happiness. Although I miss the intimacy like nothing else in the world.

30vanquish · 2012-09-26T08:09:37+00:00

Knowledge of beers, tennis, 5ks, pool, volunteering, meditation, and talking to girls.

j_arbuckle2012 · 2012-09-26T17:05:22+00:00

Currently I'm injured with a broken foot and healing up at my parents so I can't really do much.

Things I did before my injury and after getting into life-improvement:

Judo
Weightlifting/Running/Swimming
Volunteered at local homeless shelter (met some really wacky people!)
Went to a ballroom dance club a couple nights a week (Great place for meeting women)
Trained for the 18x enlistment option. (US Army Special Forces, for those too lazy to google)
I was on the list for an EMT training program at my local fire department, but it fell through when I broke my foot.
Cooked all of my meals
Learned how to speed read. I can burn through fiction and non-fiction at something around 600 wpm. Great for consuming anything that isn't super technical, and even then, my technical reading speed has gone up by a large margin. I highly recommend that everyone take the time and practice this skill.

Things I did before life-improvement:

Played vidya games at least 30 hours a week.
Computer.
Slept.

The most important thing I've come away with from all of this is that no trait is truly inborn and immutable. A naturally talented person at something is someone who has had more practice than you, even if they don't recognize it themselves. All it takes on my part is discipline and practice.

cgaff · 2012-09-25T16:33:14+00:00

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Hurensohn · 2012-09-25T19:00:25+00:00

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vanillaessence · 2012-09-25T16:59:06+00:00

Things I do: Workout (both running and gym) Hiking Rock climbing Guitar

Things I want to do: Yoga Cooking Swimming

CharDilla · 2012-09-26T01:40:09+00:00

I'm kind of backwards compared to you guys. I've tried many things over the years and have become less active over time. I've moved to a new city and am looking to get back into a habit of good living and experiencing new things.

In the past(during different periods): played instruments, videogames, singing, muay thai, boxing, brazilian jiu jitsu, wrestling, judo, surfing, skimboarding, longboarding(skating), drawing, 3d art(video game spec stuff), lifting, going out

Things I do: 3d art(not enough), video games(a bit too much atm), lifting(not enough), going out

I'd like to get back to the point where I'm regularly doing muay thai(3-5 times/week), 3d art, video games(here and there), surfing(1-2 times/week), going out. There was a period when those were my main things to do for years, and life just felt great. Unfortunately I'm currently not working and cannot afford a muay thai gym membership or a new surf board :[ So my first priority would be to get a job.

Trooper2442 · 2012-09-26T03:30:21+00:00

TIL a lot of guys hike, and I don't.

MadDogTannen · 2012-09-25T20:11:37+00:00

Where did you take improv classes? I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I wasn't sure where to start.

blue_barracuda · 2012-09-25T21:33:29+00:00

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/714f131866/bane-after-batman

sorry, couldnt resist

Donkupyourlife · 2012-09-26T01:37:49+00:00

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mazingerz021 · 2012-09-26T03:27:56+00:00

All the upvotes! Need to go do some shit like NOW.

leodoestheopposite · 2012-09-27T00:11:19+00:00

What I have always done:

cooking

What I have been doing recently for my own personal growth and well being (but help with PUA)

serious & regular working out with proper nutrition /r/Fitness
meditation
volunteer work
play guitar

What I do for PUA reasons:

nothing (anymore).

What I will be doing next

Improv class (this fall)
reading about Social Engineering /r/SocialEngineering

zergcraft · 2012-09-27T22:07:49+00:00

Jiu Jitsu and Isolation Tanks?

Train by day, Rogan podcast by night? Olive Garden?

archaicfrost · 2012-11-08T05:52:05+00:00

neurofeedback

juggling /baloon scultping / bubble magic

sleight of hand /mentalism

BigFishMcNish · 2012-09-26T04:23:13+00:00

The most fun game I've ever played is Ultimate Frisbee. Basketball is my all time sport and because I take it too seriously, I can't enjoy it all the time. Ultimate Frisbee is the shit.

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