A toolkit for learning something totally new...

Sometimes we're thrown into a situation - either by choice or by force - where we're faced with the prospect of being an absolute baby learner. Perhaps you've decided to take up golf, or to try a new dance class, join a gym for the first time or learn a new language. The thought of starting at the very beginning can be overwhelming and if I'm honest, intimidating.

The tips below will help you on the journey from beginner to master.

🪚 Accept that you’re a beginner.

It's important to recognise that mistakes, confusion and failures are all part of the process. They all come with the territory and should be expected. When they happen. we mustn't condemn ourselves or see them as a set back.

🔧 Learn the lingo

Whenever we learn something new, there are a whole lot of words which are specific to our new skill or area of intrigue. It may help to take note of words/phrases that you don’t understand and find out what they mean. It's not a weakness to ask, so be bold! Ask someone if you don’t understand or do some googling to learn the basics.

🔨 Ask for help

If you know someone who is able to help, from others who are more advanced. This could be a teacher, trainer if you neec specific help, or you could watch YouTube videos from experts, or join online forums where you can ask your questions.

🪛 Follow the curiosity

Basically, if it's interesting, it's easier to learn.

🧰 When the going gets tough...

...the tough get going. It's part of learning that at some point, you will hit a difficult stretch. Like riding a bike, eventually you're going to hit a hill. But if you keep going long enough at the hill, you'll eventually reach the top and find the downhill after.

⛏️ Make it fun

There are many, many ways to learn. Reading is only one of them. If you can, find a way to gamify the process - for example when learning a new language, try Duolingo, use flashcards, stickers around your house or watch TV programmes in your new language, make it a competition, plan a dinner party... The ways of learning are endless

🪜 Repeat, repeat, repeat

Read, watch, ask, listen... The only way to improve is to repeat.

What would you add to the toolkit?

Do you need a life-time learner in your team who can quickly acquire new knowledge and is a #failureninja? Get in touch.

Cover Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash