Focus On Learning and Creating Rather Than Entertainment and Distraction

When was the last time you felt inspired to learn something new?

For many of us, the answer would be ‘never' - we've all become so desensitized to the click-bait headlines and siren songs of social media that we've stopped caring about the information we're supposed to be learning, becoming distracted by what's trending, and ultimately achieving less.

The problem with that answer is that it doesn't represent all of us. We're a diverse community and, as such, we have varying reasons for wanting to improve our knowledge. For some, it's a matter of wanting to be able to answer any question that might come up; for others, it's about wanting to understand how the world works so that they can make the most out of their lives; for a third group, it's about wanting to be able to create something that will improve the lives of others.

So, what is motivating you to learn something new?

The Benefits Of Learning

The main reason you should be learning anything is that it's good for you. We're always being told that education is good for us and, for the most part, this is true. Through education, you're giving your body a chance to change and adapt to some new thing which, in turn, can increase your overall wellbeing. This is particularly beneficial if you're trying to achieve good mental health, as learning new things can help to improve your mood. It also helps to reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

Learning something new can also improve your ability to communicate. It doesn't matter if you're learning a language or skill such as editing, copywriting, or accounting; whatever it may be, there's usually a component of learning that makes you better at speaking. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a great speaker, there's usually something you can do to improve your pitching, leading to you being more persuasive and commanding when communicating with others. The more you learn, the greater your advantage here, creating a positive spiral that benefits you and your relationship with others.

However, not all knowledge is created equal. There are some things that you simply shouldn't be learning. If you're not sure whether or not you should be learning particular things, then ask yourself questions like ‘will this help me in my career?', ‘is there a local community college/university near me?' and ‘how much does this cost?'. If you can answer affirmatively to these questions, then go for it. However, if you can't answer yes to any of them, it might be smarter to spend your time on something else.

Raises Your Profile In The Community

One of the biggest problems with getting distracted by what's going on around us is that it often leads to us missing out on opportunities to connect with people. If you've ever tried to follow a broad news feed, or browsed social media, then perhaps you've experienced this problem. On social media, this can be even more difficult; if you have a large following, then it's easy for your content to get drowned out by the constant flow of information.

When you have a prominent role in the community you're contributing to, this can work to your advantage. As an editor, author, or social media influencer, you have the opportunity to influence others and get your content seen. If someone sees a lot of value in your content, they might just decide to follow you on social media in order to keep up with the latest news and information.

Helps With Self-expression

Another major appeal of learning is that it allows you to express yourself creatively. If you have a flair for writing or photography, you can find plenty of opportunities to showcase your talents. If you have a specific skill that you can apply to writing, editing, or design, then you can develop your talent in a way that'll be beneficial to you. If you're feeling creative, then why not try and develop your skills in a way that'll be beneficial to you in the future? It's never too early to start developing your creative muscles.

Creates Ambiance

Ambiance is the aura that a room or space creates. It's what makes a space feel like a living, breathing thing versus a cold, empty box. When you walk into a room that has been creatively and tastefully designed, with interesting furniture and accessories that give it a sense of life and style, it can inspire you to get creative and design your room the same way. This is why interior design is such a popular choice among millennials.

In terms of design, there are numerous courses and certifications that you can complete to gain valuable knowledge and expertise. If you're looking to create a space that you feel good in and that expresses your unique identity, why not develop your skills and take a few nights a week to design your room to perfection? Instead of staying in and putting your devices on standby, get some friends over and finish that Master Kitchen renovation experience together.

A Global Perspective

One of the biggest draws of traveling is discovering new places, meeting new people, and getting a peek into other cultures. If you've never left the country, this can be difficult to do. However, with the rise of online shopping and the development of modern-day apps, the world is much more accessible. If you have a smartphone, all you need is an internet connection and you can access information from anywhere in the world.

Learning a new language opens up new opportunities for you. If you go to a country where the locals aren't familiar with your native tongue, then you have the opportunity to practice and perfect your accent. If you're open to this idea, why not try and learn a new language? There are plenty of apps and courses out there that can help you achieve this goal.

The Drawbacks Of Learning

In the same way that there are benefits to learning, there are disadvantages as well. One of the biggest disadvantages is that you have limited time to do so. Unless you have the ability to devote a whole day to learning, there'll always be something else that requires your attention.

Another disadvantage is that, generally, knowledge isn't freely given. For the most part, people will expect you to pay for knowledge that you're gaining. If you want to learn piano, you'll have to look for a piano teacher who'll charge you each lesson. Even advanced degrees can be extremely costly, especially if you want to study in a country that doesn't offer subsidies. If you want to study interior design in Denmark, you'll have to find a way to pay for it yourself.

If you're wondering whether or not to learn a new skill, be realistic about what you expect to get out of it. Think about what you have to give up in order to gain everything you hope to get out of it. In most cases, you'll have to give up something else in order to be able to learn, so be sure that you're choosing the right course for yourself.

These are all valid points and questions to consider before delving into any sort of learning journey. Before you know it, the year is gone and you'll have learned a new language or picked up a skill that you never thought you'd be able to do.