Ok, let’s cut to the chase. Most books, in my opinion, are wrong on this subject. They usually tell you that if you want to start a business, you should consider things you are “good at” or things you enjoy doing and turning one of those affinities into a service to others for which you can get paid. I can’t disagree more - especially regarding service-oriented business start-ups.

My stance, particularly with providing a service, is to consider something you absolutely hate to do or are scared of. The chances are good that other people also despise or avoid doing that activity and will pay you to do it for them. Mowing yards, washing cars, cleaning bathrooms, and the like are all obvious examples of businesses you could start today because you probably don’t like doing these things - and neither do I. With some work, you can become an excellent provider of such a service and turn your avoidance of the activity into a passion.

For product-oriented businesses, think of something you want to purchase for yourself. The chances are good that others would also like to have “it”. Can you build/make the item from parts or obtain the item wholesale and re-sell it using eBay?

In summary, keep your hobbies. The things we like to do are enjoyable because we don’t have to do them - we want to do them. If you turn your hobby into a business, that’s not wrong - just don’t expect the time spent to be as rewarding as it used to be when you weren’t getting paid to do it - and be sure to find another hobby so you don’t go insane.