Attn: Startup Founders, You Need a Hobby

I completely agree that hobbies are largely beneficial to the mental health of founders. I have several, and they help keep me sane.<p>On a side note, how much money does this guy HAVE? I mean, 'scuba diving with sharks'? 'Spelunking in New Zealand'?? 'Riding sheep at a rodeo'?!<p>My hobbies include things like crossword puzzles, tennis, frisbee, piano, and knitting. They are great for the startup budget. Also, video games.

I agree with the message but this post is really lacking. Only 2 sentences are spent on why founders need hobbies and much more on a list that, as one of the other commenters already pointed out, is irresponsibly expensive for most founders. It would be better to hear how a founder with a hobby is more successful thanks to his hobby.

Mine is running. You don't have to do much prep, and you can do it anywhere. It's great because it works well in groups like a running club or a race. But it is also amazing to just take off and clear your head all by yourself.<p>I've met a surprising amount of founders that run.

Hobbies are great. Crafts are even better. (i.e. things that you can get better at indefinitely like playing an instrument)

While those are all dandy and great activities, I think I say for all of us here that doing a startup is our hobby and life because it's the most exhilarating and fulfilling way to spend our time.

Agreed. Best thing for me so far has been climbing. Its physical, social, is relatively cheap, involves problem solving and I have fun doing it — a great combination for me. Feeling myself grow with something that is so different from my work is also pretty awesome.

I think anybody that is challenged daily with alot of problem solving and creative thinking should have a psychical hobby. Sports like running or swimming are pretty inexpensive and give you a great work out. Personally my favorite hobby is tennis, not only does it require psychical fitness but also a vast amount of critical thinking. Strategy is key in this sport.<p>However any psychical activity not related to your daily job helps not only clear your mind but also stay in good shape. By all means, if I could require each developer that I work with, run 2 miles every other day without hesitation, I would it.

With Starcraft 2 imminent, I can add one item to the hobby list.

Il faut cultiver notre jardin.<p>I think gardening is pretty nice. Poking around in the garden feels meditative, and nothing is so relaxing to me as sitting in a garden and smelling the flowers.<p>You get to be creative, and possibly make something that can give you enjoyment for decades.<p>Maybe I'm just becoming middle aged though. :)

Running for fitness and fishing for calm.

you guys obviously need more than a hobby according to Meghan McCain: <a href="http://twitter.com/McCainBlogette/status/13756576141" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/McCainBlogette/status/13756576141</a>