Learning Skills
With all the time we have at home, we have plenty of time to learn a new skill. Whether it’s learning a new language, learning to play an instrument, or studying up on a subject, we can do it! But just exactly how do we go about doing it? More importantly, how do we go about doing it quickly and efficiently? Well, here are a few tips to help get you started.
1. Start In Small Amounts
One easy and true way that you can approach the learning of a new skill is to approach it in small bits. Truly, it can take hours a day of work in order to truly master a skill like playing an instrument. But, it can only take 15 mins a day in order to get ok with an instrument. If you want to just learn (and not master), go at a slow and small pace.
2. Take Frequent Breaks
In addition, you’ll want to take frequent breaks. When you do put in the work, make sure that you don’t overwork yourself. Take a load off and relax with a tiny mind break when studying a big textbook. Your brain and your emotional health will thank you for it.
3. Find The Fun
Also, it’s important that you enjoy what you’re learning. That will make the process go by faster and increase your interest in doing it. You don’t have to fully love the German language, but you can find ways to enjoy consuming it like watching shows in German. Find the joy and you’ll have a better time learning.
4. Don’t Fear Difficult Tasks
Despite our earlier notes about starting small, also know that you shouldn’t be afraid of the bigger tasks. Bigger tasks can seem hard and scary, but they can also bring a lot of rewards to your process. For instance, do you know a song you want to learn to sing but it seems pretty advanced? Take a shot at it anyway.
5. Break Down That Difficult Task
Once you’ve found a hard task to attempt, try to take it on in smaller pieces. Try the first few stanzas of a tough song to sing. Find a technique in that song that seems difficult or challenging and tackle that as a new task to learn. Then move onto the next set of stanzas or techniques. That’s how to challenge a difficult task.
6. Find A Mentor
And for the times when you don’t know how to go about a task or skill, look for a mentor who can teach you. You may find a math tutor who can show you the best way to approach a problem or equation. Or, find a native Japanese speaker to help you become more fluent. Or, find an art student who knows a few technical skills and natural skills in the world of art. A mentor is a great guide to learning.
7. Test Yourself
Once you’ve done all of that, it would be a great idea to test yourself. See how far you’ve come by looking at the basics and some of the advanced parts of the skill you’re learning. That will also tell you how much farther you need to go. It will show you where you’re weak and which direction to go in the future. Try it and see.
8. Teach What You Know
Lastly, a great way to learn is to teach. Once you’re in a place where you are knowledgeable and skilled in whatever task you’ve been learning, it’s time to share with others. You will learn so much about yourself and the skill by teaching others. Plus, you’re passing on all the work you’ve put in and giving that to someone else.
Skill Learning
Overall, enjoy the learning process. Using one or two or all of these tips shared above. Then, never stop learning.
