It’s the start of a new week so what better time to try something new. Taking on a new task, or learning a new skill can be very rewarding, but usually not all that easy. Firstly, entering into a something new, without having any prior experience, means there will be a definite learning curve. There’s also the fact that some people are somewhat afraid of trying new things. However, there’s are not reasons to deny your personal growth, so check out some of our tips for trying something new today.
Make a learning plan.
If you’re a little apprehensive about trying something new, then just jumping in without letting yourself think about it too much might seem like a good way to face your fears. That’s the right attitude to go in with, but if you want to really learn something new, some planning can go a long way. Set up a plan of attack about how you’re going to start learning. Set aside time to work on it, be it in study, practice or whatever method will bring the best results. Approaching a new challenge fully prepared to give it your best effort will put you on the right path for success.
Start small.
Whatever your new learning project might be, it’s best to start with the basics. Understanding and acknowledging your own level of expertise in this area is important. Trying to tackle too much too quickly will lead to you either gaining a poor knowledge of the subject or failing to make any progress at all. Don’t be afraid to take things slowly and build upon what you learn in stages. It may take a while but it will be faster and more effective in the long run.
Be patient.
You also need to realise that you might not become the expert you want to be overnight. When you go into a new challenge like this with anticipation, that usually comes from a lack of confidence. Your confidence will build overtime the more work you put into your new learning experience. However, you need to give yourself enough time to develop. If you aren’t getting it after the first week that doesn’t mean you’re never going to get it, it simply means you need more time. Try not to put yourself under any time constraint and allow yourself to learn at your own speed.
Don’t fear failure.
The number one thing that keeps people from attempting something new is the prospect of failure. No matter your age, your success until that point, failure is something that can keep you up at night no matter who you are. While it may not sound like the most helpful advice, the best way to get passed the fear of failure is to not mind it. You need to reflect on your situation and help yourself realise failing to reach your goal is nothing but a learning experience. You now have more experience than when you started and you know what works and what doesn’t. The next time you try it, you’ll be even more prepared. Failure isn’t a bad thing unless you let it stop you.