How many times have you thought or said, ‘I’m going to learn something new,’ but then got so far into that learning and either given up or realised you weren’t quite cut out for it?
I think we do it all the time. And I think it’s because whenever we decide to learn something new, we think it has to be a skill that’s complete untrodden territory. That it has to be extraordinary, because otherwise, what’s the point?
Learning ‘new’
Perhaps the most common examples of learning new include languages and instruments. Both wonderful things to learn, but also very difficult, especially if you have no prior knowledge or experience. Awesome, but a long, hard haul.
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t do those things. But how about, instead, learning something old? By that, I mean how about looking at what you’re already good at, what you already have experience in, and trying to do it differently for a while?
All write now
For me, learning old would mean something related to writing.
I’m a writer. No two ways about it. I used to be a very good footballer, I’ve even sung in a band, but believe me, I’m very much a writer. That’s my thing. That’s what I am best at.
However, I’m specifically a fiction writer and copywriter. They are the paths I’ve chosen and, thankfully, turned into a profession. Yes, I’ve written a handful of poems and maybe a couple of short scripts, but I would never call myself a poet or a playwright.
And that’s quite interesting, I think. Can you picture a similar situation that relates to what you do best? I’m betting you can.
Already in love
All I’m saying is this. The next time you get the urge to learn some incredible new skill that has nothing whatsoever to do with what you do right now. Think a little closer to home.
Can you expand your current knowledge and experience? Can you improve on what you already love to do? Can you learn something old?
