The 10 Skills You Can (And Should) Teach Yourself

Old dogs can always learn new tricks. Perhaps you’re at that point in your career and are ready for a change. Maybe you’re bored and need a new challenge.

Whatever juncture you’re at in your life, spend a few minutes checking out these ten highly-desired skills you should teach yourself. Not only can they can help you personally grow, but become more nimble, desirable and profitable in the professional world.

10. Learn How To Repair Stuff

Being able to fix things is not only personally satisfying, but can help you be a valuable asset in the workforce. With literally thousands of YouTube videos readily available to help walk you through how to fix anything, why not give it a try? Start small, like repairing eyeglasses, drywall or a running toilet, and slowly build your resume.

Having this confident go-get-em DIY attitude to tackle problems head-on is a great skill to have, and your boss will notice.

9. Pick Up A Creative Skill, Like Painting, Photography, Or Illustrating

Thinking outside the proverbial box is a great way to stretch the mind and unwind after a stressful day. Creating imagery with a canvas or camera can help change your perspective on things, and allow you to see projects or tasks through a different lens.

8. Improve Your Design Skills

Believe me, taking a Photoshop class is a great way to increase your value. Every company could use help at some point with image production, editing and enhancement. Being able to say “Yes, I can help” is a huge plus. Also, when it’s time to polish up your resume for that long-awaited promotion, you can put your best foot forward.

7. Learn A Subject You Skipped In College

If there’s a course you wish you took in college – but never got around to it, or it wasn’t part of your learning plan, now is the time to do it. Take online courses so you can learn at your own pace and when convenient for you. Even if you don’t master a subject, having a more knowledge than you did beforehand could give you the upper-hand when making decisions and recommendations at work or home.

6. Be Confident With Public Speaking

At some point in your life, you’ll need to give a toast or presentation. Instead of clamming up, get the confidence, pitch, melody, volume, and tone needed to persuade an audience and win over the crowd.

5. Build Electronics and Hardware

Learning how to build a computer is a great place to start when teaching yourself how to hack electronics. Be sure to learn about Arduino.

4. Learn How To Play An Instrument

Or teach yourself how to play a new instrument. Regardless, you can hire a coach to help you learn, or use online videos to learn how to play just about anything.

3. Cook Like A Celebrity Chef

One major factor in cooking like a pro is to have the right tools – sharp knives (and knowing which one does what) will greatly help. Another is knowing what can be substituted if you’re out of an ingredient. Don’t afraid to get your hands dirty and stretch your palate – you may be surprised what you like.

2. Learn A New Language

The world is changing rapidly, and cultures are becoming more diverse. If you dedicate time, energy, and attention to learning a new language, you may be able to do so in less than a year. Gagriel Wyner explains how she did it.

1. Learn To Code And/Or Build A Website

I can’t tell you how many times I hear each day, “I wish I knew how to code.” I’m one of them. Because digital solutions are the new trend, being able to code is one of the most valuable skills to have, and can help make you highly marketable and valuable when looking for a job.

H/T: Lifehacker