If you’re just starting a new hobby or pursuit, you may be a bit intimidated. The following steps will help you learn faster, gain confidence more quickly, and become a master at your new interest more rapidly.
Don’t Let Fear of Failure Stop You
What prevents us from growing? Fear. As a beginning painter, programmer, knitter, sky diver—whatever your hobby or interest—you’ve got to overcome our fear of making mistakes if you want to become accomplished in this new area. Be the student who asks questions, volunteer to the person who tries new steps in front of the class, and be the one who takes risks. You’ll learn more and feel better about yourself than if you hang back and watch others learning.
Expect A Steep Learning Curve
Anytime you take up something new, you have to expect it to feel difficult at first. Just like the first few days on any new job are intimidating, the first few times you try a new hobby will also feel unfamiliar and difficult. Persevere, trusting that you’ll get the hang of the jargon, terminology, techniques, and practices as time passes. If you still don’t feel comfortable with the new skills or hobby in a couple months, then it may be time to consider another pursuit. Otherwise, hang in there and give it a chance. You may love it once you get the hang of it!
Pair Up With a Buddy
Trying something new is easier if you do it with a friend. Chose someone you can laugh and be yourself with who will challenge you to do your best and will help you relax if you’re nervous.
Learn From an Expert
Choose your instructor carefully. An inept instructor can make learning a new craft or hobby discouraging, boring, or overwhelming. A good instructor is clear, entertaining, engaging, and works with you at your speed. Make sure the instructor knows the craft or hobby well and is a good communicator.
Practice What You Learn
It’s one thing to watch someone paint a landscape, but it’s another thing to paint one yourself. Take your lessons seriously, and apply them during your daily life. If you’re taking a yoga class, practice moves at home by yourself. If you’re learning Italian, practice translating phrases at home. Put the lessons into practice, forcing yourself to actually use the new skill as well as observe or read about it.
Immerse Yourself
Look for ways to immerse yourself in your new hobby. If you’re learning how to draw, go to museums and look at sketches and try drawing people you see at the local coffee shop. If you’re learning to play golf, practice in your back yard and watch it on TV. If you’re learning Spanish, put the Spanish subtitles on when watching your favorite television show. The more you can live your hobby, the more you’ll absorb it and become proficient.
With a little practice, you’ll catch on to this new hobby. After you’ve accomplished this one pursuit, you’ll be inspired to take on yet another, and another, and another—until you’ve exhausted your list of things you’d like to learn.
Author Bio:
Erinn Stam is the Managing Editor for a website that offers help in choosing a nursing school. She attends Wake Technical Community College and is learning about nursing schools in NH. She lives in Durham, NC with her lovely 4-year-old daughter and exuberant husband.
Image By: Some rights reserved by JanneM
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