How to Make a New Hobby or Skill Stick

Starting a new hobby or learning a new skill is exciting—until the initial motivation fades and distractions creep in. Whether it’s a child learning an instrument or an adult picking up a new craft, sticking with it can be the hardest part.

So, how do you turn a fresh start into a lasting habit? The key is to make the process structured, enjoyable, and rewardingwhile removing barriers that make quitting tempting.

Here’s how to set yourself (or your child) up for success when starting something new.

1. Make It Easy to Begin

The hardest part of any new habit is getting started. Reduce the friction by making access to the hobby as simple as possible.

🔹 For Kids: If they’re learning an instrument, keep it in a visible place instead of tucked in a case. If they want to journal, place a notebook on their desk.

🔹 For Adults: Set up materials in advance. If you’re learning to paint, keep your supplies within reach instead of hidden in a closet.

The fewer steps it takes to start, the more likely it is to happen.

2. Start Small (and Keep It Manageable)

One of the biggest mistakes people make is diving in too hard, too fast—only to burn out. Instead, start with tiny, achievable steps.

🔹 For Kids: If a child wants to read more, start with just five minutes a day rather than a whole book.

🔹 For Adults: If you’re learning a new language, don’t aim for an hour a day right away—begin with a few key phrases.

Consistent small steps are better than one big effort followed by quitting.

3. Create a Routine (and Link It to Something You Already Do)

New habits stick best when they’re tied to existing routines. Instead of hoping to “find time,” attach the new skill to something that already happens daily.

🔹 For Kids: If they’re learning an instrument, pair practice time with another routine—like playing for five minutes after brushing their teeth.

🔹 For Adults: If you want to write every day, do it while drinking your morning coffee. If you’re exercising, pair it with listening to your favorite podcast.

4. Track Progress in a Fun Way

Seeing progress—even in small increments—boosts motivation. Help your child (or yourself) visually track progress.

🔹 For Kids: Use sticker charts, checklists, or progress journals. A simple calendar where they mark off “practice days” can be hugely motivating.

🔹 For Adults: Keep a habit tracker app or a bullet journal. Seeing a streak of completed days can push you to keep going.

5. Make It Social (or Add a Reward)

Accountability and rewards make new habits more fun.

🔹 For Kids: Learning a new sport? Have a friend join. Want them to practice reading? Create a reading club with a sibling or friend.

🔹 For Adults: Find an accountability partner, whether it’s a language-learning buddy or an online group where you share progress.

Small rewards also work: “After 10 days of practice, I’ll treat myself to a new book (or my kid to a special sticker).”

6. Expect (and Plan for) Resistance

Motivation won’t always be high. Instead of waiting for enthusiasm to return, prepare for low-energy days.

🔹 For Kids: If they resist, try the “just do five minutes” trick—often, starting is the hardest part, but once they begin, they’ll keep going.

🔹 For Adults: Make a backup plan for busy days. If you usually write for 30 minutes, allow yourself a five-minute session instead of skipping entirely.

7. Focus on Fun, Not Perfection

New skills take time, and perfectionism can make people quit too soon. Remind yourself (or your child) that the goal is enjoyment and progress, not mastery overnight.

🔹 For Kids: If learning an instrument, let them play silly songs, not just structured lessons. If learning to draw, let them doodle freely.

🔹 For Adults: Allow room for experimentation and imperfection. No one becomes an expert overnight—enjoy the process!

Final Thought

Starting something new is exciting, but sticking with it takes structure, small steps, and encouragement. By making a new hobby easy, rewarding, and part of a routine, it’s more likely to turn into a lasting passion.

What’s a new hobby or skill you (or your child) are trying to stick with?