When we go to the grocery store and are patiently waiting in line to check out, in addition to the gossip magazines and preventative medicine advice publications, we all see the brain teaser books and puzzles meant to keep your mind active and alert.
We all choose, or not, based on what information we crave.
For some, the gossip magazines take us into the celebrity world with some facts and some fiction. For others, we want to know the best tactics to lose that weight or take better care of ourselves. Then you have the 3rd category, where we hunger to keep our minds alive and lean towards learning new things.
No matter your age, it’s never too late to keep your mind active by learning a new skill. It could be for your enjoyment, or you may want to increase your skill set to help expand your career. Either way, it’s always a great idea to expand your horizons.
These explorations into something new can teach you more about yourself and could even lead you in a different direction.
Get Motivated to Learn
And when we talk about learning a new skill, it doesn’t need to be career-related. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but either didn’t have the time or think it was worth the time to invest, such as:
- learning a new language
- learning to play an instrument
- learning to play a sport
When we open up our minds to letting ourselves be creative, we then clear our brains to focus on the other part of our lives that requires us to be responsible. Including space on your calendar to enjoy something new makes the daily “tasks” much more bearable as we begin to look forward to learning.
Trying something new requires a little effort, but in the long run, you’ll find it beats getting swallowed up in a rabbit hole of social media or binge-watching TV. And, when you learn something new, you’ll have something you’re proud of to share with your circle.
~ THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING
- It’s a confidence booster.
- Your brain becomes healthier. The mind continuously reshapes itself as you continue to develop new skills.
- You’ll gain confidence and find it easier to overcome anxiety in stressful situations.
- A positive mindset. As you continue to learn, you’ll feel more empowered to take on new challenges, both personally and professionally.
~ WHERE TO START
First, ask yourself if there’s something you’ve always wanted to discover. As we mature, some of our options may no longer be there due to physical limitations, but there are plenty of opportunities to turn a “wish I could” into “I can.”
Start small and do your best to manage time, so the activities that pay the bills or caregiving for your family don’t fall by the wayside. As you move forward, you’ll work it out so that the balance is there. And once those around you know you’re following your passion, they will do their best to help you achieve it.
~ SOME IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED
There are many options to begin learning. You can learn through:
- tradition paper books or audio tapes
- apps
- local or online course
- tutors
Learning can be challenging initially, but once you jump-start your brain, it becomes easier and is more rewarding.