I have written multiple times about the importance of learning on our own because I firmly believe that we are never too old to learn something new and put it to good use. I find learning so important that I like to share the knowledge I find all the time…probably to the annoyance of some people. This past year, I had to make time to learn new things while also putting that knowledge to use. It wasn’t like going to school and dedicating time exclusively to learning. I learned information and applied it at the same time, and I find that to be one of the best ways to learn.
When you aren’t in a situation which allows you to hire someone, you often learn to do those things yourself. For instance, I learned by trial and error how to update my website, and I learned by trial and error how to design graphics on Canva. Then I learned how to use those graphics to create pins on Pinterest to market my blog to other career changers and writers. This was a change in thinking and planning for me.
In the past, I would have said, “I’ll learn how to do that later,” or, “I’ll learn how to do it now and apply it later.” However, I couldn’t wait to update my website. I needed to update it right then. I couldn’t wait to market my blog. I needed to market my site immediately. Last year, I slid my old learning habits to the side, and I replaced them with the “Learn by Doing” method. Yes, sometimes tasks take longer than I expect, but once I’ve done them, I can then repeat the task later. Each time I do it, the task becomes easier. All of this goes on while I’m doing my regular activities so I just keep adding to my repertoire of skills.
When you learn new information, find a way to quickly apply it. Don’t let it go to waste. If you work for yourself, it may save you money. If you work for someone else, a new skill is a negotiating tool. Look for ways to immediately apply new skills you learn so your mind will absorb that information long-term. If you have taken the time to learn, do yourself a favor and apply it.
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Inspirational Verses for the Day:
The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. (Proverbs 18:15, CSB)
All Things Subject to Change 