Acquiring a new skill is a journey beyond understanding and memorization; its actual value lies in its application. In his book “The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything… Fast!”, Josh Kaufman highlights the critical step of applying what you’ve learned to real-world situations. This practice reinforces your new skills and integrates them into your everyday life. Let’s explore why and how using learned skills is crucial:
Reinforcement through Application
Applying a new skill in a practical context reinforces the learning. It transitions knowledge from theoretical understanding to functional ability. Applying what you’ve learned solidifies your grasp of the skill, making it more likely to retain and use the information effectively.
Identifying Areas for Improvement
Application exposes you to real-world scenarios where you can identify gaps in your knowledge or ability. This direct experience is invaluable for pinpointing specific areas that need further refinement, allowing for targeted improvement.
Boosting Confidence and Competence
Successfully applying a new skill in a practical situation boosts your confidence. It provides tangible proof of your competence and progress. This boost in self-assurance can be a significant motivator to continue learning and exploring further applications of the skill.
Adaptability to Real-Life Situations
Applying your skills in varied real-world contexts trains you to adapt your knowledge to different situations. This adaptability is crucial as it shows the versatility of the skill and your ability to customize your approach as per the demands of the situation.
Integration into Daily Life
By finding ways to incorporate your new skills into your everyday activities, you make them a part of your routine. This integration helps maintain and enhance the skill over time, ensuring it remains a relevant and valuable part of your life.
Applying learned skills is vital in the learning process. It reinforces and tests your knowledge and enhances your confidence, adaptability, and ability to integrate these skills into your daily life. Whether it’s a personal hobby or a professional competency, applying what you’ve learned is vital to genuinely mastering and benefiting from any new skill.