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Is it too late to pick up a new skill ?

Writer's picture: Ahmad MahmoudAhmad Mahmoud

By Ahmad Mahmoud

Learning never ends, having new experiences and adventures every day, and pursuing goals and dreams are what make life exciting and worthwhile.


Regardless of your age or background, there are always opportunities to learn and acquire new skills. Whether you want to take up a new hobby, pick up an instrument, or try your hand at cooking, there are many benefits to expanding your horizons.


But, there are times when learning can be difficult, such as when you learn something incorrectly or lose motivation and begin to wonder why you are learning it and how it will benefit you.

In this post, we'll talk about these difficulties and offer you some suggestions on how they might be overcome, as well as some tips that might be useful to you along the way.

 

Is Age An Obstacle?

Age is not and will never be an obstacle to learning; you can begin learning at any age, young or old. In fact, learning a new skill can be especially rewarding for older people because it helps keep the mind active and prevents age-related cognitive decline. Start learning something new today, if you are a young person. Choose a skill you didn't have before; perhaps what you learn will help you make money in the future.


And if you thought you were too old to learn, I urge you to reconsider. Learn new things, read different books, or go to the gym to take care of yourself and expand your knowledge. With so many resources available today, such as online courses and tutorials, learning something new is easier than ever. Furthermore, by sharing your knowledge with others, you can inspire and motivate people of all ages to continue learning and growing.


According to a study by Professor Rachel Wu, older adults' cognitive function, such as working memory, processing speed, and reasoning, can be enhanced by involving them in college-style learning activities for three months. According to the findings, cognitively stimulating activities can improve cognitive function in older adults.

"Learning is the mechanism for development no matter how old you are," said Rachel Wu


Learning a new Skill is to difficult?

Learning something new was never easy, and it requires dedication and effort. You must put in the time and effort to achieve your goals. Hard work and determination are required for success; it does not happen overnight. You must be willing to go above and beyond and give your all every day.


Don't give up if you run into difficulties along the way. Remember that there is always tomorrow, and with each new day comes the chance to learn from your mistakes and improve. Beginning your journey with the right mindset and determination to succeed can help you achieve your goals and turn your dreams into reality.


As we mentioned earlier, learning new skills later in life is not impossible, but it is challenging. So, if you think you're too old to learn something new, reconsider. Anyone, regardless of their age, can learn new things with the right mindset, motivation, and approach. Remember that hard work pays off, and that the journey is as important as the destination.


A special mention goes to Colonel Harland D. Sanders, the founder of KFC.

Colonel Sanders retired at the age of 65 and devoted himself to franchising his chicken business, driving from restaurant to restaurant across the United States and Canada.

In less than ten years, he had over 600 KFC restaurants in the United States and Canada alone!

The Colonel, a man who never retired, was 75 years old when he started. He sold his stake in the company for $2 million (approximately $14,161,464 today!) and KFC's global expansion continued.


Identifying the right skill

Choosing the right skill to learn is crucial because it should be compatible with your life, goals, and interests. If you love what you do, you're already half way there. However, certain factors must be considered when making a decision. Think about how the skill will fit into your life, whether it is related to your current work or something you have always wanted to do but haven't had the opportunity to. Make a list of your thoughts and responses to these questions.


It is also beneficial to research the potential benefits and challenges of a skill. Determine whether it provides job opportunities or can help you advance in your career. Consider the difficulty level and time commitment required to learn the skill. You can make a more informed choice if you have this information.


If you plan to earn money from the skill you're learning, look for job opportunities in that field. Seek out people who are doing what you want to do, learn from them, and make industry connections. When I first started working in design and creative fields, I sought out mentors and sought advice. These small steps assisted me in improving and succeeding in my field.


Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence

(iStock/frimages)


It can be difficult to learn something new. Yes, as mentioned, it is not impossible, but it is also not easy. While learning, you may experience some ups and downs. One of the downs is self-doubt; you may begin to say things to yourself that are hurtful but are not true.

Let's go over how to overcome self-doubt and some strategies to avoid it.


Begin with small steps: Divide the skill into smaller, more manageable steps that you can complete. You will gain confidence in your ability to learn and master the skill if you achieve these smaller goals.

you can check my post about How I'm Able To Study For Long Periods Of Time where I talk more about studying habits I use on a daily basis


Maintain consistency: Consistency is the key to developing confidence and mastering a new skill; assign yourself tasks to complete daily or three times per week and complete them; stay committed to them. "Without commitment, you'll never start, but more importantly, without consistency, you'll never finish" Denzel Washington.


Accept failure. you must know that failure is a part of the process embrace it, do as Eric Thomas once said "do not go through failure grow through failure". Some people may see failure as a door closing in their face, and I do as well, but I also see ten more doors opening. You may think I am way too optimistic, but I have faced failure lots of times, and yet here I am writing this blog post for you.


Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who will assist you whether you are feeling good or bad. People with smiles on their faces who will remind you of the goal you must pursue and encourage you to pursue it.


The last and most important thing is to visualize success. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. You have to believe it, believe that you made it, believe that you reached your goals and made your dream a reality. Visualization can be an extremely effective toll for building self-confidence and overcoming self-doubt.


I hope by the following tips you may overcome self-doubt and have a strong mindset so you can take off on your journey to accomplishing goals

 

Learning new skills can be challenging, but it's not impossible. It's important to identify the right skill that aligns with your life, dreams, and goals, and to be passionate about it. When learning something new, you may face self-doubt and setbacks, but by taking small steps, staying consistent, embracing failure, surrounding yourself with positive people, and visualizing success, you can overcome self-doubt and build confidence in your abilities. Remember, learning new skills is a journey, and with persistence and determination, you can accomplish your goals and make your dreams a reality.

And remember, it's never too late to learn something new in life.














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