If life did not include learning something new all the time, it would be so freaking boring.

Life would be so freaking boring and monotonous if we didn’t have the opportunity to learn something new whenever. Learning is a gift.

Embarking on something for the first time can be exhilarating and intimidating at the same time. It’s an opportunity to expand our horizons, push our limits, and discover new passions. However, the idea of learning something new can also be challenging, as it requires stepping out of our comfort zone and facing the unknown. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of doing something new and share some tips on how to make the most of the learning experience.

“The process of learning something new creates new connections between neurons in the brain, which strengthens existing neural pathways and can even create new ones.” – Dr. Michael Merzenich, neuroscientist and author of Soft-Wired: How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life (source: Forbes)

Challenges and Opportunities of Doing Something New

Whether it’s a new job, hobby, or relationship, there are a few challenges and opportunities to remember. 

One of the biggest challenges of doing something new is the fear of failure. It’s natural to feel doubtful when we’re venturing into uncharted territory, but it’s important to remember that failure is a part of the learning process. Instead of letting fear hold you back, you should embrace it and use it as motivation to keep pushing forward —the same with the fear of the unknown. Starting something new can be scary because you don’t know what to expect. 

Another challenge of doing something new is the learning curve. Depending on what we’re trying to learn, it may take weeks, months, or even years to master a new skill or activity. It can sometimes be frustrating, but staying patient and persevering is paramount. Remember that progress is often slow and incremental, and that every small step forward is a step in the right direction. Lack of confidence: if you have no prior experience with something, it’s easy to lack confidence and feel like you don’t have the skills or knowledge necessary to be successful. Don’t fret, and stay the course. 

Despite the challenges, doing something new also presents a wealth of opportunities. It allows you to discover new interests, meet new people, and broaden your perspective. It can also help you build confidence and resilience as you learn to adapt to new challenges and overcome obstacles. 

Trying something new can help you develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and grow. Change the mindset from “I’ve done things like this all my life” to “I want to learn from others (including younger folks) how they do things today.”

Things We Could Do as Adults for the First Time

As adults, there are countless things we could do for the first time and learn even when we are 90. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Learn a new language: learning a new language can open up a world of opportunities, from travel and cultural experiences to career prospects and personal growth.
2. Try a new hobby: painting, photography, cooking, or hiking (the sky’s the limit). Trying a new hobby can be a fun and rewarding way to challenge ourselves and discover new interests.
3. Take up a new sport: trying a new sport can be a great way to get in shape, build teamwork skills, and challenge ourselves physically and mentally.
4. Start a new business: starting a new business can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to pursue your passions, take control of your career, and positively impact the world.
5. Learn a new instrument: playing a new instrument can be daunting, especially if you have no musical experience. However, the rewards can be incredible. I learned to play instruments in college after spending my teen years as a DJ. While the learning curve was steep, it is a hobby that progresses with practice and I always learn new things.
6. Learn to cook: cooking is one of life’s greatest pleasures. If you like to eat and try new plates and cuisines, cooking will open up a world of pleasure to your taste buds. Once you get the hang of it, you can cook for others and even make up your own recipes. 

Learning Curve

The learning curve for doing something new can vary widely depending on what we’re trying to learn. These are some general tips that can help you navigate the process more effectively:

1. Set realistic goals: break down the process into manageable steps that you can complete faster by setting realistic goals for each step. This will help you stay motivated and focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Seek out resources: there are countless resources available to help you learn new skills, from online courses and tutorials to books and workshops. Don’t be afraid to contact experts or mentors for advice and guidance.
3. Embrace failure: as mentioned earlier, failure is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of seeing it as a setback, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on what went wrong, and use that knowledge to adjust your approach and try again.

It’s Never Too Late

There’s a great story about a woman named Masako Wakamiya who learned how to code in her 60s and went on to create a popular app for seniors. Masako had no prior programming experience, but she was determined to learn how to use computers to stay connected with her friends and family. She taught herself to code using online resources and eventually created an app that helps seniors stay mentally active and engaged. Her story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to learn something new and make a positive impact in the world.

Recommendations or Practices to Be More Successful in Learning Something New

Adopting a growth mindset is crucial to be more successful in learning something new. This means believing that we can develop our abilities and intelligence over time, rather than being fixed traits we’re born with. Here are some practices that can help you cultivate a growth mindset:

1. Stay curious: cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around you. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and challenge yourself to learn something new every day.
2. Be patient with yourself: learning a new skill or activity takes time and effort. Don’t expect to master it overnight; be patient with yourself as you progress through the learning curve.
3. Practice regularly: consistent training is essential to improving and maintaining a new skill or activity. Make time in your schedule for regular practice sessions, and stick to them as much as possible.
4. Get feedback: seek out feedback from others who are more experienced or knowledgeable in the skill or activity you’re learning. This can help you identify areas for improvement and adjust your approach accordingly.
5. Embrace mistakes: mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Instead of getting discouraged by them, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
6. Celebrate progress: celebrate your successes and progress, no matter how small they may seem. This can help keep you motivated and inspired to keep pushing forward.
7. Take breaks: it’s important to give yourself time to rest and recharge. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t feel guilty for taking time to relax and rejuvenate.

If you push through the initial challenges and stick with something new, you’ll likely feel a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence as you start to see progress. “The act of trying something new can activate the brain’s reward system, which can lead to feelings of pleasure and motivation to continue learning and exploring.” – Dr. Robert Zatorre, neuroscientist and professor at McGill University (source: The New York Times)

By adopting these recommendations and practices, you can set yourself up for success in learning something new. Remember, the most important thing is to keep an open mind, be willing to take risks, and have fun along the way!