When was the last time you learned something new: a new skill, or a new hobby? When was the last time you felt like a small child trying to put two and two together in a new subject?
Technology and new methodologies seem to be coming at us from every angle these days. I started this blog back in 2010. I have changed its look-and-feel so many times over the years, I reminisce when I find old screenshots. I have also changed my writing style and the things I write about. More importantly, this blog is a living reminder that I must always be learning something new if I want to keep being relevant not only in my profession but as in my personal life as well.
In order to want to keep learning, you must have a “beginner’s mind” approach to life and career alike. It keeps you on your toes; it broadens your perspective, and above all, it keeps your tea cup empty.
Although this all sounds nice and even romantic, you actually need to roll up your sleeves and do it. The best way is to set reminders for yourself. Do it right now. Open a new tab, or unlock your smartphone and go to your calendar. Set up a block of time for the end of this week and name it “learn something new”. That thing you always wanted to try since you were a kid? Start doing it in that block of time. It doesn’t matter if you are still a student, a mid-career professional, a startup founder or anything else you want to label yourself as. Start now.
It’s because of this practice alone that I’ve been able to teach myself (even though I have a degree), do online courses or sign up for in-person courses in:
- Google AdWords: started back in 2012 and it marked a major shift in my career
- SEO: same as AdWords, it set out a clear path for my career but started a year earlier
- SQL
- Coding
- Violin
- New languages
Start doing what you like. It doesn’t matter if it’s a professional skill or just something you love (I wanted to play the violin since I was a kid but started only a few months ago). Learning doesn’t stop after graduation or after years of being in the workforce. Learn something new today.