Why I Challenge Myself to Learn a New Skill Every Year
Lessons learned through learning to surf as a 30-something city dweller
Each year, alongside my new year’s resolutions I make a commitment to learn a new skill.
I decided a few years ago to make this annual commitment, as the older I get, the more set in my ways I’m becoming — afraid of trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone. Committing to learning something new each year helps me push against that internal resistance and remain open.
This year, I started learning to surf. Surfing has been something that I’ve been intrigued by for many years. I love the paradoxical nature of surfers — how laid back they are while being devoted to a highly technical, disciplined sport.
But for some reason, I have always felt the sport wasn’t open to me. That I wasn’t cool enough. I let my own limiting beliefs hold me back from trying.
So, for a week in July, I donned my wetsuit, and tentatively stepped into the water; in the hopes of catching a wave, mastering my pop-up, and making it back to the beach.
Through the various learning projects, I’ve undertaken over the last few years I’ve noticed I gain a number of benefits irrespective of the skill I’m pursuing. I believe these…
