By: Danny W. Pettry II
Who Is Pat Flynn?
Pat Flynn is a well-known entrepreneur, podcaster, and author who built Smart Passive Income into one of the most trusted resources for business owners. He’s famous for sharing transparent lessons about online business, leadership, and personal growth. His weekly newsletter, Unstuck, offers practical insights for building sustainable success.
The Lesson: Hobbies Are Not Optional
In his recent issue of Unstuck, Pat told the story of being on a fishing trip when work emails started buzzing on his phone. His instinct was to stop fishing and check in — until he remembered something his friend and author Chris Ducker said:
“Entrepreneurs with hobbies outperform those without hobbies by 30%. It’s not optional — it’s strategic.”
Instead of checking his phone, Pat kept fishing. The result? He caught three bass and had a breakthrough idea for his business.
Why This Matters (Especially for Rec Therapists)
Pat highlights a paradox many of us face: the more successful or busy we become, the more we actually need activities that have nothing to do with work. Research backs this up — even just two hours of creative hobbies per week can boost performance by about 30%.
Here are three big takeaways from his post:
Your Brain Needs Breaks
Neuroscience shows that our “default mode network” — the part of the brain that sparks creativity and problem-solving — only activates when we’re not focused on work. That’s why “shower thoughts” happen.
Hobbies Aid Recovery and Growth
Chris Ducker shared how hobbies helped him recover from burnout in 2021. Bird photography became more than a pastime; it gave him clarity and shaped his leadership style.
Hobbies Are Strategic Investments
Pat reframed his lifelong love of fishing as “business infrastructure.” Time spent fishing fuels his creativity, reduces stress, and helps him focus on what really matters.
Challenge for You
Pat challenged his readers to pick one hobby, block out just two hours this week, and notice the difference it makes.
That’s a challenge recreational therapists already understand: hobbies, leisure, and play are not “extra” — they are essential tools for well-being.
If you’re inspired by Pat’s story and want to explore how leisure and hobbies can transform your own life, check out my book to help you add more fun to your life
Go here:
Source: Pat Flynn, “Unstuck: From the Desk of Pat Flynn,” Issue #159, September 9, 2025
Image credit: Credit:Rudzhan Nagiev