Getting into a new hobby or skill is a great way to keep your mind sharp while you take the opportunity to learn more about yourself and increase your personal confidence levels. But sometimes, learning how to bake, draw, or play a new instrument can be frustrating if you’re having difficulty finding reliable resources to help you get started.
Fortunately, in the online era, everything you need to start your new skill or hobby can be found through a quick search online. Upon browsing the internet, you may even feel some choice fatigue about which platform or type of content you should utilise to start your learning journey. Perhaps the true challenge lies in utilising these online resources effectively so that you can enjoy the learning experience and remain as productive as you’d like. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on your new skill and hobby and avoid abandoning it not long after you’ve started:
1) Find a Hobby That Resonates with You
Whether it’s photography, coding, painting, or playing a musical instrument, selecting a hobby that excites you will increase your likelihood of staying motivated throughout the learning process. To know which hobbies and skills you’ll likely enjoy learning, ask yourself: What activities bring you joy? What subjects spark your curiosity?
When you’ve identified the activity you’re most passionate about, developing your skills will become less of a chore and more of a pleasurable pursuit. It would be wise to choose one main hobby or skill to take up first and base your future learning experiences on this one.
2) Make Sure That You Have a Reliable Internet Connection
Streaming tutorial videos, participating in live classes, and engaging with online communities related to your skill or hobby all rely on you finding a consistent internet connection. That’s why it’s in your best interest to subscribe to an internet provider that offers a stable and fast internet connection.
Explore the service providers available in your local area, and look for providers with positive reviews and a reputation for reliable service. If you live in the Lion City, conduct a home internet or mobile data plan comparison Singapore users also do, and assess the different internet plans offered by each provider. Consider important factors such as speed, bandwidth, and pricing.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the different types of internet connections your providers offer, such as DSL, cable fibre-optic, satellite, or mobile, and check which ones best suit your location and requirements. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to get the fastest and most expensive plan. All you really need is a plan that’s enough to support your online learning needs.
3) Enrol in Online Classes Related to Your New Hobby
An online course on your chosen skill or hobby will likely allow you to follow a well-organised curriculum and take a systematic and guided approach to your learning experience. The course may provide structure to your learning path and make the entire process more enjoyable and productive overall.
Select recognised and reputable online learning platforms that host a diverse range of courses taught by experts to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Read online reviews or get testimonials from other learners to gain insights into the course content and help you determine whether the courses align with your learning goals.
Moreover, take advantage of the courses’ free trial period. This way, you can get a glimpse of the content and teaching style of each course and see if it’s to your liking.
4) Watch Online Tutorial Videos by Trusted Content Creators
If you haven’t already turned to platforms like YouTube, check them out for tutorial videos from reliable content creators. Many have mastered the video tutorial format and actively aim to provide viewers with a visual and practical approach to learning. Through tutorial videos, you’ll get to observe certain techniques and processes in action, and then apply them during your practice sessions.
Look for a content creator who uses a teaching style that resonates with you. A content creator who delivers the lesson in a teaching method you can easily follow will make it easier for you to absorb information quickly. In addition, you should look for online content creators who produce tutorials that cater to beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners so that you can smoothly move on to the next levels of your learning journey.
5) Visit Websites That Offer Great Learning Resources
Websites that are known for offering different learning materials for various hobbies and skills remain some of the best starting points for a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to mastering your area of interest. Narrow down your options by picking websites that offer a large collection of tutorials, articles, and guides.
You should also follow sites that are known to share content about the latest advancements in your field, which can ensure that the materials and insights you get from them are relevant and up-to-date. Remember that your learning journey for a new hobby or skill should be fun for you, and that the resources you find online should motivate you to continue learning. Use these tips to streamline the learning process and make your new interest one that’s both pleasant and easy to sustain.
