Many of the successful CEO’s surprisingly pursue some strange hobbies. Between the odd gym session, catching up with friends and binging watching shows, we’ve hardly got time to pause ourselves. But money brings freedom, and some of the best known entrepreneurs in the world use their spare time in enjoying some unusual hobbies.
It might be simple for a CEO or entrepreneurs to become caught up in the cycle of nonstop work without taking time off for hobbies or other pursuits. But, having interests outside of work may give several benefits, especially when such hobbies are unusual or unique.
Indulging in hobbies like collecting peculiar artefacts, participating in extreme sports, or even playing in a rock band may foster the growth of fresh viewpoints, resilience, and stress reduction.
The Benefits of Pursuing Unusual Hobbies
Strange hobbies might offer special benefits that regular hobbies might not, like:
- More imagination and creativity
- It is challenging
- Opportunity to develop new abilities that are different from those needed in the professional world
- Helps in widening the social networks and meet new individuals with common interests
- Moving outside of one’s comfort zone and escaping routine.
Additionally, following unconventional hobbies might allow personal growth and self-discovery. One can get fresh perspective and insight that they can use in their work life by attempting new things and picking up new talents.
Strange Hobbies of Successful CEOs and Businessmen
Many successful CEOs and businessmen have unusual hobbies that reflect their personalities and values.
Warren Buffet – Playing the Ukulele
Warren Buffett plays and teaches the ukulele, and several of his instruments have become collector’s items. During shareholder meetings, he has even been known to perform for the audience while carrying his ukulele. According to Buffett, playing the ukulele after a hard day at the office aids in his relaxation and relaxation.
Elon Musk – Collecting Memorabilia
The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Elon Musk, has a surprising hobby of collecting James Bond memorabilia. He owns the Lotus Esprit from the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, which he’s said to be converting into a car-submarine like in the (eminently forgettable) film.
Mark Zuckerberg – Hunting
The CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg likes to hunt and prepare his own food. He spent a year eating only meat that he hunted himself to better understand where his food came from and the efforts that go into consuming it.
Sandy Lerner – Jousting
Cisco Systems co-founder, Sandy Lerner loves jousting. She owns lances, period costumes, and even an 800 acre farm in Virginia where she raises Shire horses for matches.
Jeff Bezos – Helicopter Pilot
Jeff Bezos, holds a commercial pilot’s license and enjoys piloting his own chopper. According to Bezos, flying allows him to focus and unwind while he is in the moment. He is also invested in Blue Origin, an organization that aims to one day send people to the moon and beyond space.
Richard Branson – Kitesurfing
The Virgin Group’s founder, Richard Branson, is an extreme sports enthusiast and spends his free time kitesurfing. He has a number of world records for the sport and has even kitesurfing across the English Channel. Branson has stated that he feels more alive and connected to nature while kitesurfing.
Bill Gates – Rare books
Bill Gates collects rare books. Gates once paid $30.8 million for a single manuscript, the Codex Leicester, which contains essays by Leonardo da Vinci.
Aaron Levie – Magic
CEO of enterprise cloud sharing company Box is referred to as “That Magic Guy.” Aaron Levie was obsessed with magic as a kid, performed professionally for several years, his favorite is disappearing into giant boxes, and still does tricks around the office.
Conclusion
As successful CEOs and entrepreneurs have shown, pursuing strange hobbies can help people recharge and stay motivated and provide fresh ideas and abilities that can be applied to the workplace.
