If you decide to learn a new skill, it can be a fantastic way to boost your personal development. It can also do wonders for your brain. Researchers found learning a new skill can positively rewire your brain by increasing new neural activity.
However, heed a word of caution.
You need to check that the new skill is the right one for you. Choosing the wrong skill could be a waste of effort, money and time. Stop and think, before you start to learn any new skill.
Ask yourself these three questions:-
- What do you want to do?
- Do you know which skills you need to do this?
- Which of these identified skills do you need to learn?
Write down, or type out, your answers to these questions. It will help you correctly identify which new skills you should learn and the ones you should eliminate from your list.
Learn A New Skill – What are the different types of skills?
Skills can come in all shapes and sizes. They can differ depending on what you are planning to do. Thankfully, you can separate skills into two main areas, hard skills and soft skills.
You will find that most employers are looking for people who have a nice mix of hard skills and soft skills.
Hard And Soft Skills
- Hard skills are related to something that you have learned. You can learn these skills in a classroom or by doing the job itself. You could have work experience from doing the job. Or you have completed a course to learn something.
- Soft skills are related to your abilities and are things you possess as an individual, like your personality. You are a “people person” and can work well in a team. Or you are confident in yourself and are a natural leader, etc.
Dedicate Time To Learn A New Skill
Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither are your skills. It takes dedication and hard work to learn a new skill. With this mind, don’t feel disheartened if you find it difficult in the beginning. Keep going, and you will get there!
Using The Skill
The more that you use the skill, the easier it will become. At the same time, make sure that you are taking regular breaks as you learn. Research has shown that taking little breaks is key to learning new skills.
Assessing The Skill
As your skill develops, don’t forget to evaluate it regularly. Assessing your skill weekly can keep you motivated. You will be able to see how far you have come and feel more confident in using your skill.
Learn A New Skill – Never Stop Learning
Learning a new skill is fantastic for your personal development. Nobody is perfect, and anything you can do to improve yourself can benefit you in all areas of your life.
Understanding who you are and where you want to go in your life can give you the confidence to learn new things. The next step is to keep this momentum going and develop yourself further.
Takeaway
If you are wondering where to start on your personal development in 2020, consider learning a new skill. Ask yourself the three questions above and decide what it is you want to learn this year.
If you haven’t already, fill in your email address below and subscribe to The Leslie Link to receive more personal development blog posts and news, straight to your email. Take control of your current life and your future by pushing yourself to achieve more this year.
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Sally Leslie is a motivational coach and optimist. She helps freelancers and entrepreneurs create balance in their lives and work towards their personal and professional goals. Sally is also a B2B freelance writer for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups. A lover of plants, freedom, and football!
