Foo - Who else is a "sideline" guy/gal?

Although I appreciate the social/physical/enjoyable aspects of different hobbies and activities (like bicycling, photography, playing music, etc), I often feel that they are not for me. It has less to do with the specific activity and more to do with the feeling that I'm not a doer or a contender, but an enabler--a behind the scenes guy.

I've done lots of activities before, but I always come to the conclusion that they're not necessary or important or fitting with my character. Still, sometimes I wish I had or lacked whatever I lack or have that keeps me from "getting into the game."

Anyone else like me? Any thoughts?

Thanks

hmmm.. Never felt that way, but I do find something strange with me that might be along your lines.

When I achieve a goal in one of my hobbies or work or life, that I may have even wanted for a long time, I dont feel ecstatic, instead I look uncertainly forward to whats next or even worsefeel almost deflated that I now dont have a goal to chase. The basking in glory or taking a moment to reflect on what happened never happens. I invariably think I should have gotten to my end goal faster or with more skill or in a more convincing fashion.

Yes.

Edit: Read the question wrong.

No.

yeah, you pretty much described me exactly. :)
for me, its more a lack of competitive nature, and the fact that when I have to do something it becomes less fun. I've found when I keep things light and recreational I can have fun doing whatever.

i'm the exact opposite...I often find it hard to just sit by and not compete when there is an opportunity to compete.

I've been involved with our Crit since day 1 - now an Omnium. Work pre race, have quoted and purchased the banners, etc and work road marshall on race days. And I'm involved in the long range end of it as well, with the race to be held in August - we're already involved in 2009 - with goals set for 2010. Lots of work! Pre race and post race! 2010 we plan on going 5 days - to be a Tour de something.

Am also a race official and liaison between my bicycle club (organize volunteers) for the Rochester Marathon.

I've always got something going that I'm "working" on to the side.

Currently getting more involved in the activities of the mtb bike club I'm in as well.

I completely hear what your saying. I have so many hobbies, sometimes I wish I could try something and NOT like it. Lately it seems all of my hobbies are really expensive ones as well! On the goals end of it. I feel that way too, as soon as something because the least bit like "work" for me it takes all the fun out of it and then when I reach the goal it's like "what's next?". Being a graphic designer, for instance, makes it very hard for me to want to do any sort of art/freelance when I get home from my regular job. I have lots of theories on all of it

My opinion! I hope no one gets offended by it :)
I feel competition is a way to show off, period. Id much rather sit back and watch (if I must) the competitors piss on each other, then shake hands at the end when one person has made all the others feel inferior :rolleyes: Ive never mentioned this on any forum but here it goes, I was an up and coming artist once upon a time :o I would "kick arse" in just about every contest I entered, but I would always see the faces of the so called "losers" and it always made me feel REALLY bad, so one day I just stopped, no more, done, that was 23 years ago! WOW! Im old! :lol: but anyways, thats what we do to each other every day, and even worse (intentionally or in disguise) its what we teach our kids! :(

I get obsessed with my hobbies. But the last 2 lacked the social aspect. One was online MMO games, go figure. I always played alone on pvp environment. Now with biking, I'm always riding alone as well. I have to meditate about this.

I'm not much for competition, but I don't really enjoy sitting out in the sidelines. I'd much rather be doing, just rather on my own terms.

+1. I don't like watching other people do their thing, and I'm generally not competitive.

Yes.

Edit: Read the question wrong.

No.

Yeah, when I read your original post, I thought, "Siu...no, really?"

I'm not very competitive, either. But even with non-competitive hobbies, I begin to wonder if what I'm doing has a good reason. And I guess it's hard for me to see "Because I want to do it" as a good reason.

<sigh>

</rant>

Artifice mentioned not having a competitive nature, and I think that's a pretty close fit for me. I was always thankful my parents never forced me to play summer sports the way so many of my friends and schoolmates did. I could have a fun summer on my own terms. But when I started jr. high, the school required students in grades 7-9 to play 3 seasons of sports. It could be a "letter" sport like football, basketball or baseball, or the student could sign up for intramurals. Those who did the latter were usually the object of much derision. I played football through 10th grade and even got a varsity letter that year by the skin on my teeth. But I'd never felt like part of the team all those years and gave it up. Too many people on the football field seemed to think they were Bo Jackson and too many people thought they were Michael Jordan in a basketball game. I found rowing to be a true team sport because there's no room for showboating. But even then I didn't feel like part of the team.

I'm not anti-social, but nor am I the life of the party. So many people I know seem to think they have to be doing something all the time. I'm pretty content to sit back and not do much lol.