The Hidden Barrier to Fun

Orion

Jul 8, 2025 — 2 min read

I've been playing disc golf a lot with my coworkers recently. My throws are still far from perfect or at least intermediate, but I must say, I improved a lot. Last December, when I was actually introduced to this sport by my coworkers, I didn't particularly enjoy it... I was happier for their company more than anything at that time. Still, it was simple and frictionless enough for me to keep going with them the next time and the next time and the next time.

And suddenly, I understood their advice. On how to hold the disc properly, throw without exhausting yourself too early, and align your body toward the basket. It is fun now, but that wasn’t the case at the beginning. What I'm trying to say by all this is that I have noticed a similar pattern with all my other hobbies and interests. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is fun at the start. It is the unexplainable drive, curiosity and attraction that keeps you going. It all gets fun and really enjoyable once you get decent at it. My coworker, the one who brought this sport into the office, even said something along the lines of:

"If I didn’t win that first time, I probably would’ve never touched this ever again."

That’s how frustrating starting something new can be, but those little wins, those nudges from the universe, can spark a powerful drive that pulls you through the rough patches.

If you're looking for something new, or already have. Please remove as much friction and internal resistance as you can. Make things easy for yourself, if you at least kind of enjoy it, stick with it for a while before deciding to quit.