Learn Anything in 3 Easy Steps!
by Tess Pennington Recently by Tess Pennington: The Sweet Life: Sugar Alternatives for Your Homesteading Needs
There is always a learning curve when we begin something new. At times this learning curve can be quite intimidating, but, if you stick with something long enough, you tend to get the hang of it. This holds true to anything you set your mind to learning. Many of us are taking time out from our busy schedules to learn new skills that will either prepare us for surviving an extended, long-term emergency or we are wanting to learn skills that we can use to live a more sustainable lifestyle. When developing new skills overwhelms you, remember, you can break them down into three easy steps:
These three steps are the basic outline to learning how to do ANYTHING. RESEARCH Nearly every day, I thank my lucky stars for the internet. With it, I can learn just about anything using YouTube videos, websites and forums. Information is free for the taking, and not only can you read about it, you can print off the instructions that seem the most valuable. However, despite the wide range of the internet, don’t forget the importance of paper technology: books! Add to your how-to library on a dime by picking up books on a multitude of topics from library sales, thrift shops, book store clearance sections and yard sales. Finally, learn from others. Tap into the knowledge base of older neighbors and family members, many of whom already possess the skills that you want to learn. Spend time interviewing them, watching them and asking questions. Most of these skills were originally passed down by word of mouth, so keep the oral tradition alive!
GATHER Once you have decided upon the skill that you want to learn and researched it, you need to gather the supplies required to learn it. Some skills require no particular supplies. Like learning to forage in the woods for food – you can simply use your research materials to pursue the skill. Others, like making a rag rug, for example, require things like fabric, a sturdy needle and carpet thread. I keep a running list of specific supplies that I am looking for and keep it with me when I hit the thrift stores and yard sales. I’ve acquired things like sewing supplies, jars of buttons, an axe, how-to books, gardening tools, canning jars, and many many more items that others no longer have a use for. As well, think about sources like Craigslist, Freecycle and the classified section of your local newspaper. Sometimes all you have to do is ask to catch the interest of someone who wants to clear out some space in his or her basement. Organize your supplies so that they are grouped together by skill – you don’t want to start a project only to have to stop and search for a necessary item for half an hour. PRACTICE With a new skill, you don’t learn how to perform it simply by reading about it. You have to put the skill into practice to truly be proficient at it. This is true of anything from canning to sewing to chopping wood. If you are lucky enough to have a mentor for the skill you are learning now is the time to invite her over for tea! She can watch what you are doing and point out ways to make it easier or identify mistakes before they become habits! October 31, 2012 Tess Pennington joined the Dallas chapter of the American Red Cross in 1999 Tess worked as an Armed Forces Emergency Services Center specialist and is well versed in emergency and disaster management and response. You can follow her regular updates on Preparedness, Homesteading, and a host of other topics at ReadyNutrition.com. Copyright © 2012 Ready Nutrition
|
