Workaholism Is Not A Flex

Leonardo da Vinci is remembered as a master of the Renaissance...a painter, inventor, scientist, and thinker well ahead of his time.

But what many don’t realize is that he was also infamous for not finishing things.

He left dozens of commissions half-done or abandoned entirely.

The Duke of Milan once complained that Leonardo would get halfway through a sculpture or painting before wandering off to study anatomy, sketch flying machines, or experiment with optics.

To some, this was frustrating.

But to Leonardo, these "hobbies" weren’t distractions...they were his fuel.

His curiosity across disciplines made him who he was.

He didn't see tinkering, sketching, music, or dissecting cadavers as procrastination.

They were how he thought...and found rejuvenation.

His unfinished work wasn’t a sign of laziness...it was how he operated at a high level.

Like many entrepreneurs and advisors I know, I’ve spent most of my adult life being deeply focused, disciplined...and honestly, borderline obsessive about work...which is very unhealthy!

Hobbies?

I’ve tried golf...didn’t click. Tennis...Not for me.

Coaching my son’s baseball teams was meaningful, but that season of life has passed...and I’ve struggled to find something to fill that space.

I told myself I didn’t have time for hobbies.

Worse, I’ve sometimes worn “I don’t do hobbies” like a badge of honor.

That is pathetic really.

I’ve come to realize that this mindset has to change.

I’d love to hear what hobbies have made a difference in your life.

What should I try next?