Failed at learning something new? This is why.

If you have tried learning a new skill and failed, then this is why:

You didn’t set yourself realistic goals. We immediately want to run before we can walk which ultimately destroys our confidence because we rush to learn, we make loads of mistakes and then we assume that we just can’t do it which is absolute nonsense!

As a secondary school teacher, I see this all the time in my students. As soon as I show them the project they will be making, they immediately say that they won’t be able to do that, or I don’t know how to use the machines, or I will never get it finished.

As an adult, we have more optimism and get excited about learning something new but when we fall at the first hurdle, that is it, we give up, we are no good, we will never finish, just like a secondary school student.

So let’s look at how we can resolve this issue, how we can make sure that we start a new learning journey strong and build our confidence quicker.

Number one; You need to make sure you have the right tools and materials! I know it sounds pretty darn obvious but sometimes we get so eager and impatient that we substitute one for the other which can impact the quality of the overall work which, making you doubt your ability and lower your confidence. So be patient, and get everything you need first.

Number two; you need to know what the foundational knowledge of that skill is and master it. By that, I mean what are the first steps you need to do. For example, with knitting, it is casting on, with crochet it is creating a chain, with clay throwing it is how to centre your clay on the wheel. Mastering these skills will help you pick up from any mistakes you make faster.

Number three: Be realistic! As I said at the beginning, we want to run before we can walk, we want to master a new skill straight away. I don’t know why but I personally think that most adults feel that they should pick up a new skill quickly so when they don’t, they just immediately assume they are no good. I have recently started to learn how to draw digital art. I don’t draw much and have very little experience so I needed to set myself realistic goals so I could make better pace and progress. I decided to start with one thing/theme which was woodland animals. The first realistic goal I gave myself was to get the proportions right for the head, body, legs etc. As soon as I started to feel more confident with that, I could move onto adding extra details to the face and then move on to other body details. It didn’t take me too long to get the hang of getting the proportions right, but I am still working on faces nearly a week later! But that is ok! I don’t need to learn this skill straight away; it is all about the journey and I want to enjoy it. Yes, I get annoyed, I’m not perfect and I have thought to myself; is this worth it? And ultimately, I decide that; yes, it is because I actually really enjoy drawing on a computer!

Number four: remember why you started in the first place. Maybe you just wanted to learn a new hobby, or you are thinking of starting your own creative business? If you had a reason as to why you started, then it must’ve been a good one so just remind yourself of it occasionally. If you were gifted a craft kit and just thought you would give it a go, maybe think of the person who gave it to you and aim to make something for them as a thank you?

So next time you want to learn a new skill, thinking of these 4 things and hopefully, you will stick to it!