It may not be something for the memory bank now, but learning new skills has always been something that you've had to work at. As humans, we tend to forget those early days of taking on skills. Learning new things has always come with its challenges.
If you've decided to acquire a new hobby, then it means having to learn a new skill. For a moment this may overwhelm you. How do you begin something new and remember how to do it?
If you're struggling with learning strategies, it's time to take those first steps in remembering them. Below, you'll find 7 different strategies for learning new skills. Try some of these out and see what works best for you.
1. A Mentor Is Helpful
One of the best things you can do for yourself when it comes to learning new skills is to consult someone who already understands the hobby you're taking on. A mentor is a person who already understands what you're trying to learn. Find someone that you can look up to and learn from.
Many individuals are visual learners and learn best when they can talk about what they're learning with another person. Having another individual there will help to hone those skills with a helping hand available.
2. Step by Step Videos
One of the greatest things that come with our advancements in technology is that we can learn skills for new hobbies in the comfort of our own homes. With the invention of engines such as YouTube pulling up a video and following directions can be easy. We are able to learn skills just by following directions on our couches.
How-to videos come in all lengths and sizes. Take for example https://www.crochetaustralia.com.au/learning-centre/how-to-videos/ you can learn how to crochet without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
3. Reading Never Goes Out of Style
Good old book reading can be a positive influence on learning skills. If you think about it, back in grade school you learned how to read by cracking open a book and spending time with your skills. This can still be helpful when it comes to the subjects you want to learn.
Take out books that are related to your topic. The more you can take in and learn from, the better you will find yourself absorbing the newfound skills that you're looking for. Just remember, it might not come easy in the very beginning.
4. Take a Class
One of the best ways to learn a new skill is by doing it hands-on in person. You go to school for years to learn skills, so why not go back when you're learning something for yourself? Depending on the new area of study you will be able to find a continuing education class that suits your needs.
Taking classes may be difficult to fit into your busy schedule, yet it might also be rewarding. Learning among other individuals who are doing the same can be an asset. This way you have others who are interested in learning just the same as you.
5. Clarity in Note-Taking
Detailed notes give you something to reference when you need them. When you're developing those new skills you want something concrete that you can use for documentation. By taking notes and writing things down you have references to look back at.
Doing this you give yourself an adequate record to look back on. You will be able to point out where you've gone wrong with your learning and fix those mistakes. Note-taking is a great way to have a track record of your personal progress.
6. Reward Your Improvements
The little progress you make in learning a new skill should be something that you reward and celebrate. When you congratulate yourself for making those steps you reinforce why you're teaching yourself in the first place. Rewards give you the incentive to continue your learning process.
They don't have to be big rewards, just remind yourself that you're doing a good job and that skills don't always come easy. Positive thinking and rewards are great ways to reinforce why you're learning in the first place. Be sure to give yourself positive feedback rather than just picking apart your own mistakes.
7. Give Yourself Time
The important thing you must do is to remember to give yourself time when it comes to new skills. Learning a skill isn't always easy. It doesn't matter what you're trying to learn.
From teaching yourself how to draw to picking up things like knitting, it is all a learning process. You have to work at it and practice in order to get to the proficiency level you want to be at. That is something that is going to take you as long as you need it to.
Don't try to rush yourself or punish yourself through learning. Just learn to accept that it might take you longer than you may have expected.
Learning a New Skill Can Be Complicated
Take your time and find the best way that a new skill will work for you. A new hobby is an exciting time, but you have to be prepared to learn and work at it. Skills don't always come as easy as we want them to and practice in any of its forms will help you to navigate the learning process.
Are you looking for a hobby to take on? Maybe our articles will be able to spark some of that creativity to continue learning. Look through today and see if you can find something that inspires you.
