8 Effortless Ways to Learn New Skills When You’re Always Busy
8 Effortless Ways to Learn New Skills When You’re Always Busy
After spending fifteen to seventeen years in classes, lectures, seminars, and countless hours on homework and a seemingly useless diploma, the phrase “Continue your education” can be daunting. However, truly successful women never stop developing: they learn to manage finances better, climb the career ladder, and improve their communication skills. Here are several simple ways to learn new things without spending too much time.
1. Listen to Efficiency Podcasts
Nothing is easier than downloading a few excellent and useful audio recordings on your phone for your commute. Subscribe to special podcasts about developing in your work: how to go to work in a good mood, how to keep a personal blog to boost your professional activity, how to improve your sports skills, and how to learn to respond to criticism.
Two different podcasts can help you immediately: “Here and Now” and “It Will Be Done.” You can listen to them through iTunes, the “Podcasts” app, or the official podcast website—whichever is most convenient for you.
On average, you will spend: one hour a day.
2. Write to Your Idol
Is there a guru in your field whom you admire? Write them a “cold” email and ask for advice on your question. The worst they can say is “no,” and asking doesn’t cost a thing! Who knows, they might even be interested in collaborating with you?
On average, you will spend: 10 minutes.
3. Focus on News
Instead of replaying your favorite playlist over and over, subscribe to news channels that delve into specific topics. Don’t overlook TedTalks: a few interesting stories a week can help you see life differently and find motivation to fight.
Meduza offers a convenient service called “Evening Meduza,” which collects the main news of the past day. All materials arrive in your email at 8 PM, and it will take no more than 5 minutes a day, but you will be aware of everything important in the world.
On average, you will spend: half an hour a day.
4. Learn Languages While Doing Housework
Many people become restless over the years, and spending an hour on grammar seems like an insurmountable task. Use apps like Duolingo or video recordings from EngVid to learn a language while doing housework, cooking dinner, or organizing your wardrobe.
On average, you will spend: half an hour a day.
5. Take an Online Course
Invest in yourself: sign up for an online course to learn everything about becoming the best in your field or hobby. Use Skillshare or Coursera; their lessons last no more than 15 minutes a day, and the topics cover any activity—from fighting for ecology to veterinary surgery.
On average, you will spend: 15 minutes a day.
6. Turn Off Instagram and Go to an Exhibition
Why look at digital art when you can go to an exhibition or museum and explore exhibits gathered from around the world? You can join a tourist group and listen to what makes certain items significant. You don’t have to go to the Hermitage; there are enough art spaces and platforms for beginner artists around. Many brilliant artists had to showcase their work in cultural centers for a long time before the public noticed them, and this is a great way to get involved in art that may one day be worth millions of dollars.
On average, you will spend: a couple of hours on your day off.
7. Join Webinars
Webinars are a great way to learn when you physically can’t attend an event. They are usually organized by specialists with extensive experience in their field and are quite affordable. Additionally, during webinars, you can directly ask these people questions that concern you.
If your work is related to IT and marketing, webinars from Netology or GeekUniversity will suit you. If it’s about design and modeling, try Render, and if it’s about accounting, the educational center at Bauman Moscow State Technical University can help.
On average, you will spend: an hour and a half a week.
8. Watch Useful Stories
If you spend a lot of time on Instagram, why not improve your photography skills? Famous photographers often share their secrets for creating images and editing, such as @annstreetstudio or @taramilktea. Daily, they show in their stories how they create their brilliant shots and explain how the wrong use of filters can only ruin a photo.
On average, you will spend: a couple of minutes a day.
