Learning A New Skill

Learning any new skill takes time, and I feel that’s what puts many adults off.

We look at the time investment in the new skill and ask, is it worth it?

A bit over a year ago now, I looked at my time spent watching Netflix and decided. Yes, I did have time to learn a new skill. So I cancelled my Netflix.

My new skill?

I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. So I figured, I’d make it a 5 year project.

Why 5 years?

Because when I first picked up a guitar and tried get my fingers in the right position on the strings, then strum the guitar with my other hand. Hopeless. I looked at my fingers and hands and said… who are you? You’re not doing anything close to what I want you to do.

I felt uncoordinated, hopeless, and wondered if my fingers and hands would ever get sorted. Turns out they would get better at it.

Lessons helped, and daily practice there for a while saw me start to find cords a little faster and play along to a song or two.

I’m pleased to say that I have improved, however, there’s a long way to go, and I’ll need every bit of the 5 years to learn how to play the guitar.

I love the challenge of learning this new skill. And what I’ve found is, it’s great for switching off the mind because I have to focus on what I’m doing. And it’s a constant reminder to be persistent, stick at it, and over time you’ll get better at it.

If there’s a new skill you’ve thought about learning for years, do it. Jump it. Give it a go and see what happens.

Sam