How to continue learning new things after school and why it can elevate your life
Learning is structured in school. Beyond that, it's on us to continue educating ourselves.
“Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is.”
― Isaac Asimov
We live in a fast paced economy. Half the skills we acquire may not be relevant in a few years either due to automation, or people who can do it better. By constantly learning new things you can:
Upskill exponentially
Increase your market value
Create your own niche
Unfortunately people stick to their comfort zone and do the bare minimum to get by post their days of formal education.
We have our own reasons for not trying new things
I'm so old. How does it matter now?
What if people laugh at me?
I'll probably suck at this
These are lies we tell ourselves to remain in our comfort zone but it doesn't have to be this way because there is one truth that trumps all these lies:
“You're braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
― A.A. Milne
So how do you start learning something new?
Step 1: Start with the fundamentals
Pick the most basic material you can find and read it. Ask questions, surf the internet, search YouTube and ask more questions.
Step 2: Share your learnings with someone at a similar level
Find a friend/ colleague who's at a similar level and is looking to learn just like you are.
Step 3: Accept that making mistakes is part of the journey
Making mistakes is part of the learning process whether you are learning fundamentals or complex concepts.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” ― James Clear