You know that feeling when you get all excited about something for the first time? But just as you’re in the middle of doing it, you realize that it’s not for you, after all! It happened to me more than a few times over the years. A lot of things I thought I’d love just didn’t live up to the hype. Some were overrated, some were exhausting, and some just weren’t what I imagined. Here are 12 things I thought I’d either go crazy about or that would make my life more exciting, but they totally fell flat.
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Camping in the wild
I figured I’d love getting back to nature and detoxing from technology for a while. But honestly, I did not expect constant bugs, freezing temperatures at night, and questionable bathroom situations. After one night, all I wanted was a hot shower and my own bed.
Owning a pet as an adult
I thought having a pet would be full of snuggles, playtime, and cute pics for my Insta story. I didn’t count on 6 AM wake-up calls, constant cleaning, surprise vet bills, and the intense emotional responsibility.
Working from home
I thought it was so freeing at first: no commute, sweatpants all day, and snacks right by your desk. But after a while, I got so lonely and found it challenging to “switch off” from work when the office was literally in the living room.
Music festivals
I thought it would be an awesome mix of dancing under the stars and discovering new and interesting music. Instead, I got overpriced food, horror-movie-style bathroom lines, sore feet, sunburn and a lot of sweaty strangers in my personal space.
Reading all the “must-read” classic novels
I was craving to feel intellectual and cultured. But some of those books are a drag. I found myself reading the same paragraphs over and over, zoning out, and just not caring enough to finish.
Super hardcore workouts
I assumed I’d feel so powerful and energized. In reality, I usually just spent the whole time gasping for air, hating the thought of the next one, and icing my knees afterward.
Cooking elaborate recipes
I was about to be a celebrity-level home chef, show off to all my friends on social media, and enjoy gourmet meals in my own house. Instead, I found myself stressing out, sweating in a kitchen full of dirty dishes, and ultimately realizing I could have just ordered takeout.
Learning a musical instrument
I imagined casually strumming songs around friends or at a party. Instead, I got sore fingers, frustratingly slow progress, and a guitar that’s now mostly a decorative piece in the corner.
Joining large social groups or meetups
I thought it would be a great way to meet people and have a good time. In reality, I found myself hating how awkward it was to just walk into a room full of strangers and make small talk when I don’t even know them.
Journaling every day
It sounded restful and reflective, but more often, I just stared at a blank page at night, thinking, “Man, nothing happened today.” Eventually, I gave up, and now the journal just sits there as a fancy paperweight.
Minimalist living
I liked the idea of decluttering and keeping only what “sparks joy.” But after a while, I really missed the little things: random souvenirs, extra blankets, and old books that made my space feel like me.
Learning to meditate
I pictured myself finding Zen, but in practice, I mostly sat there trying to ignore thinking about what to make for dinner and when it would be over. Sitting still with my thoughts turns out to be a lot harder than it looks.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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