Learning a new skill is difficult for a lot of us. Especially as we age. We tend to think that once we are done with School and College, we need to move into finding a job and making a living.
And we continue that thought process of moving to the next phases of life. While this is true and will continue to be the case until you retire (maybe you wont even do that), most of us think that we don’t have the time or the need to learn anything new.
Did you know, that learning new skills or activities could keep your mind sharp and reduce the probability of developing Alzheimer’s? Read one of the studies done by Psychological Science here.
Learning has become so easy these days. Social media and the Internet have provided almost everything for us to learn while we sit in our pj’s at home.
So what do you need to do to keep learning while also juggling other things in your life? All you need to do is carve out time. And let’s put it this way, if Bill Gates has the time to read a book a week while juggling all his other priorities, you can find time in your day.
Related:
What is the Best Technique of Learning?
Let’s go through 5 of the ways that will cause you to maintain a mindset of active learning.
1. Carve Out Time
Carve out time ahead of time. There will be 20 minutes, an hour or maybe even an entire Sunday that you have at your disposal. Use that time to learn. As you start this journey, clearly identify how much time you can spare each day or week towards a new skill or activity. Lock that down mentally, and on your calendar.
2. In-Person or Online
A lot of people (introverts like me) feel uncomfortable being physically present. I have been a slow learner for a lot of my life, so I had the fear of being judged. So now with everything online, that is my first go to to learn anything.
That’s how I started my meditation practice too. So figure out what works best for you and your schedule and look at those options. Heck, you can learn to play the guitar from online lessons too. No need for that teacher getting frustrated right in front of your face. Lol.
3. Commit to Completion
We all know once we are adults, we don’t have anyone to be accountable to (when it comes to the arena of learning something or finishing a course). Let that not be you this time. The the result of you actually finishing something is much more than just a new skill.
It will give you that feeling of accomplishment. It will teach you that you can actually learn something if you commit to it. It will keep your brain sharp and possibly give you the energy to take on something new.
The only thing that is standing in the way of learning or accomplishing something new, is the block you have that tells you all the reasons why you cannot complete it.
4. Learn with Passion
We all would like to learn something new and hopefully we do it for the right reasons.
Do not do something just because your friend did it.
Do not do it because your spouse told you to do it.
Do not do it because someone once said you cannot complete anything.
Do it because you want it.
Do it because you need to grow every day.
Do it because you are worth acquiring that new skill.
Do it because when you’re old, your brain will be as sharp as a fiddle. Do it because we all have something to give this world until the very end.
Do it because you will inspire others to learn to. If you are passionate or joyful about what you are about to learn – you are on the right track.
5. Choosing What to Learn
This is the best part. You know how when you were a kid your parents and government decided everything you were going to learn in school?
So now is your chance as an adult to learn whatever the heck it is you want to learn.
Choosing what to learn is now completely up to you. This is your time to get excited because no one can stop you. You are in control of your life. As long as what you are going to learn or become, doesn’t harm another person in any way – the world is your oyster. Go forth and conquer.
In Conclusion
Fear is a very real thing. Sometimes we hide behind that mask so that we do not have to confront anything new. But you have only one life.
And focusing on you is your main job. Read this post about how to focus on yourself.
Our comfort zone is the safest place to be and no one can hurt or judge us when we are in that zone. However, your comfort zone will also not allow you to grow and evolve into the person you deserve to be.
You also deserve to share your gifts – learned or innate, with the world. The more you learn a new skill, the more you have to share. And the more happy you will feel. After all, aren’t we all running towards happiness?
And as Brian Herbert once said, “ The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.”
Make it your choice today and everyday.
What new things are you going to try to learn? Leave a comment below!
Featured photo courtesy of unsplash.com
Article last updated on April 5th, 2022
