Tips to Consider when Learning New Skills

Tips to Consider for Learning New Skills

            Even with two Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees, and I still feel like I don’t know enough. I never get enough of learning new things. I pride myself in being a lifelong learner. And you can too!

            So you are probably thinking, I’m some sort of super genius. I’m not a prodigy child or anything close to it. I can say I have developed a few traits that have helped me to enjoy and endure learning. I have worked through the trials and tribulations that comes with the struggles of learning.

            No, I’m not bragging. I do want to be an inspiration to any and everyone who has developed the negative self- concept that learning new things is impossible. If I can do it, anyone can. Go for it! Start learning.

           

            Here’s how I did it:

Tip #1: You are not your fear.

            Everyone has a beast that must be faced at some point in life. Learning something new happens to be yours. Face the fear of learning as if your life depended on it. Well, actually, it does. New skills and knowledge yield growth and development to help increase chances of success.

            Overcome fear by focusing on the benefits that are in store for you. Shifting your attention from the unseen (your fear) to the seen (your goals) is a great way to conquer fear. Pay attention to what really matters and not your fear.

            Just do it! Does that slogan sound familiar? It’s most definitely motivational. When fear starts taking over, tell yourself over and over again to just do it. Once you step out on action, you will forget the fear.

            Are you still harboring that fear on the inside? try this. Visualize yourself in the position you will be in when you acquire and use your new knowledge. Visualize yourself walking across the stage at graduation. Visualize your yourself sitting behind the desk of your new job. See yourself as the new registered nurse at the community hospital. Whatever your dream is, see it into existence.

Tip #2: Small steps eventually turn into huge strides.

            If you think that the task of learning is too big, break it down into smaller steps. Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to take on too much at once. “Rome wasn’t built over night.” It took what probably seemed like forever to lay brick by brick to create a magnificent structure.

            The major keys to creating leaps and bounds through taking steps is to be consistent and persistent. Set a goal with flexible timelines and go for it. You should work on your goal a little every day. Keep on doing and keep on going.

            Even if you don’t get the results you want instantly, keep trying. Be persistent. Don’t give up. Strength is built over time when you practice over time.

Tip #3: Who said learning can’t be fun.

            I saved the best tip to learning new knowledge for last. While the main objective is to gain access to an increase in success, have fun while you are at it. Learning can be fun.

            You may have always had the experience and perception that learning is too stressful and time consuming. Put the fun back into learning. Do you remember the days of kindergarten when all day was recess? Okay, maybe half of the day was recess. Bring that same fun into learning as an adult.

            You used to celebrate when you jumped rope without tripping or beat the high score on your favorite video game. You can do the same now when you conquer the task of learning new knowledge or skills. treat yourself to a nice dinner or ice cream sundae. You deserve it for a job well done.   

            You can also make learning fun by making it a group event. Grab a few friends and join a class or training together. Inviting others to join in on learning ensures you have someone to laugh with during those silly thoughts of not being able to finish occurs. Group study sessions are not only beneficial to help one another process difficult ideas, but you can take a few breaks to crack a few jokes.

            Learning is what you make it. View learning as an enjoyable event that will pay off with big dividends in the long run. Remain motivated, use positive self- talk and never stop even after a failed attempt. So what are you waiting for? Go learn something new.

            For additional tips, motivation and inspiration about overcoming challenges, join the Push Pass Life Movement at bit.ly/pushpasslife and download a free ebook at bit.ly/PPLebook.

            Please feel free to leave favorable or unfavorable comments about this blog post.