With the fast pace of modern life, it’s often difficult to find the space to explore, create, and unwind.

Yet, when it comes to carving out that personal time and space, apprehension and self-doubt can often creep in and hold us back from exploring something new.

Challenges in Exploring New Hobbies

I’m keen for my daughters to try out new hobbies and explore new things, however, often I’m left baffled when after I suggest something new to try out they answer “Oh, no I can’t do this”.

Wouldn’t it be easier to be open to exploring new activities rather than putting up a barrier?

Why is it so common to hesitate when we’re about to do something new?

For many people I spoke to, fear of making the wrong decision is one of the reasons that stops them in their tracks.

You may be afraid of failure or even the consequences of success.
You may worry about what other people will think about you.
Perfectionism or lack of confidence may be getting in the way of others.

But when we look at this a bit closer, the reason why we fear experimenting with new things is because we start looking too far into the future.

Want to learn how to crochet?
Don’t worry about what other people create. Don’t think about whether it will be successful or not. Just find yourself a good beginner’s tutorial. Pick up your hook and yarn and start. One stitch at a time.
Want to build a community online?
Don’t worry about the amount of followers you have now. Just start posting. One post at a time.
Want to start skiing?
Don’t think whether you will be able to do it or not. Just start attending lessons. One lesson at a time.
Want to create a large crochet blanket?
Don’t worry about how long it will take you to complete it. Just get started. One stitch at a time.

We get lost when we start thinking too far into the future before even starting an activity.

The trick is to simply start.

One step at a time.

Flip the "I Can't Do It" Mindset by being in the present

Crochet can be a powerful antidote to the "I can't do it" mindset. Through repetition and patience, even the most intricate patterns can be mastered.

Crocheting demands focus and attention, making multitasking a challenging feat. I've discovered that whenever I immerse myself in crocheting, my busy mind gradually eases into a state of tranquillity, almost akin to meditation.

Crocheting is a dynamic form of mindfulness, it trains my mind to embrace the present moment so that I can concentrate wholeheartedly on the task at hand – but in an enjoyable, creative way rather than a stressful obligation.

In addition, much to my delight, this focus also spills over to various other areas of my life.

Benefits beyond the finished piece

Research states that when crocheting you are engaging key areas in the brain associated with:

Focus
Problem-solving
Motivation

It’s the repetitive movements of crochet that stimulate the prefrontal cortex, leading to the induction of "flow states" linked to deep work and creativity.

During the “flow state”, crocheters experience a seamless, almost effortless flow of creativity and productivity. It's characterized by a deep sense of enjoyment and fulfilment, where time seems to pass quickly, and the activity itself becomes inherently rewarding.

In this state, crocheters may feel a strong sense of connection between their actions and the creation of the crochet piece, leading to heightened levels of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Go with the flow

Even short periods of a “flow state” daily create a multitude of cognitive and psychological advantages. When fully immersed without interruption, our brains are primed for enhanced focus, creativity, and problem-solving.

Studies suggest that the state of flow stimulates areas associated with executive function, strategic thinking, and the mastery of complex tasks. It fortifies our prefrontal cortex and establishes neural pathways increasing focus and concentration. As mentioned earlier, these benefits extend well beyond the immediate flow experience, rewiring our brains to sustain heightened focus on various aspects of life.

The crochet journey

A crochet project takes time, but very quickly you can see progress and any form of progress, no matter how small, is a powerful source of motivation. For me, crocheting is about the journey rather than becoming fixated solely on the results.

Perhaps, when my girls pick up a hook and some yarn they will notice how easily an “I can’t” can be changed to “I can”. (I shall keep you posted on that one!)

I believe that learning crochet is as much personal as it is a creative endeavour.

It asks you to:

Be brave
To try
To fail
To grow

The strength and wisdom gained from learning a new skill, and persisting through a difficult pattern are invaluable life lessons.

crochet patter for round bag — `The Mae Bag #20 Crochet Pattern`

Every setback creates an opportunity

When dealing with setbacks in crochet projects, approach them with a growth mindset. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than viewing them as obstacles. This mindset fosters resilience and enhances problem-solving skills, ultimately leading to personal and creative development.

When learning a new skill, obstacles will inevitably arise.

However, viewing these setbacks with a growth mindset reframes them as valuable experiences rather than roadblocks.

Rather than fearing failure, with a growth mindset, you welcome it as an essential part of the learning process. In doing so, you become more adaptable, creative, and willing to take risks, ultimately leading to further personal and professional development.

Do what you love

The choice of crochet projects significantly contributes to my ability to maintain focus and achieve a state of flow. I've come to understand which projects inspire, motivate and engage me the most.

To facilitate deeper immersion in my crochet project, I lean towards patterns with colourwork or offer greater complexity and variety of stitches—just challenging enough to inspire growth without impeding my progress with frustration. Overcoming these challenges through experimentation fosters resilience and nurtures a mindset of continuous improvement.

I love exploring diverse colour combinations that enable me to express my creativity and ignite inspiration. The release of happiness hormones triggered by vibrant hues and beauty enhances my concentration.

Furthermore, I look at what works best for me. Designing my colourwork patterns serves as a source of motivation and brings me immense satisfaction. On the other hand, crafting simple blankets designed for relaxation provides a perfect means of unwinding after demanding days.

If have yet to pick up a hook and yarn, open your mind to the possibility that the seemingly small act of crafting can lead to a cascade of self-knowledge and joy. Take the first step, and you may find that what begins with a single, tentative loop ends in a beautiful, interconnected web of discovery.

Here are three tips to get you started:

Opt for simple patterns featuring fundamental stitches to cultivate your skills and confidence as a novice crocheter. Prioritize honing techniques before delving into intricate designs. A solid grasp of the basics forms the foundation for achieving a state of deep concentration.
Direct your focus towards relishing the creative process rather than fixating on achieving perfection. Embrace early mistakes as they contribute to your learning and development. Acknowledge that progress, rather than flawless outcomes, fuels enduring motivation.
Explore the possibility of joining a nearby crochet group or an online community for encouragement and creative inspiration. Sharing your creations and exchanging troubleshooting tips with fellow enthusiasts amplifies the mental benefits of this pastime.

Blog posts to help you get started:

Free Crochet Pattern: The Dolly Purse

New to Crochet? Learn 9 Common Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

Understanding Crochet Hook Sizes and Types

Essential Crochet Tools for Beginners | Start Your Journey

How To Read A Crochet Pattern: A Beginner’s Guide

How To Pick The Perfect Yarn For For Your Next Crochet Project

Crochet is not just a simple craft but an avenue for self-discovery and growth. Give it a try and see where it takes you on your journey towards creativity and personal development.

Share your experiences in the comments below, or feel free to ask any questions.

Happy crocheting!

Discover The Calming Power Of Crochet For A Busy Mind

Challenges in Exploring New Hobbies