Don’t Wait To Be Taught

I’m often surprised by the reaction I get when asked how I learned to do this or that. For many of my more advanced skills like photography or social media marketing, my answer has simply been: “a combination of YouTube tutorials, Google searches, and a healthy dose of trial and error.”

If ever I have an itch to learn something, I can’t bear to wait for someone I know to come along and teach me—chances are I might not know someone who has that specific skill. That’s where the internet comes in quite handy.

One of the most important side effects of the vast knowledge base contained in the world wide web is that it has empowered a generation of self-taught individuals moreso than possibly any other in recent history. The quantity and speed of information available is powerful—but you have to know the right places to look and the proper questions to ask.

Now, I’m not saying that learning via human teachers is not valuable—I wholeheartedly believe in the efficacy and societal benefits of the education system as well as the potency of strong mentors and role models.

I’m simply pointing out that there are a whole host of skillsets these days for which the answers are already lying in your pocket, ready to be brought to life.

I also am a firm believer in the notion that if you want to develop a skill that is not currently part of your job description at work, you should find some hobby to advance in your spare time and incorporate said skill into that part of your life.

Want to get better at email marketing? Start a newsletter.

Want to learn how to code? Buy a domain and futz around a bit.

Want to become a better writer? Write daily.

The time to teach yourself is now. See you tomorrow.