16 answers
Stacey
Student
Greeley, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
721 views
how do you build skill?
how can you get better at a task what are the steps to this? How can you build better skills and get better without stressing out and procrastinating?
Login to comment
16 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Sometimes you cannot wait for an employer to help out with this element of your career and personal development. You will need to take it upon yourself to find the courses and training required for advancement and skills development. This means looking through the certification and degree classes at local colleges and universities, to see what they offer. To become a better writer, you would need to find a technical writing certification course. To become a Human Resource supervisor, you would need to find an HR Certification course. There are many opportunities at local colleges, which can help you achieve your goals.
Muhammad Talal
Student
1
Answer
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Muhammad’s Answer
To get better at a task, I advise you to break it into smaller tasks and do them one by one. This technique is less stressful and provides a sense of accomplishment. It is also helpful for procrastinators. For building skills, you can try working on a roadmap and follow it , while working on it for a short duration on a daily or weekly basis. Hope it helps
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
298
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Stacey,
It's good that you want to improve your skills and talents! That is the first step to improve yourself.
Since there are different types of skills, you should decide what particular skills and abilities you want to make better. Then in case of hard work and efforts, the positive outcomes won't be late.
Try not to procrastinate. Procrastination can destroy everything. On the other hand, be able to differ the times when you have to wait until a more favorable moment will come to make a step forward.
It's good that you want to improve your skills and talents! That is the first step to improve yourself.
Since there are different types of skills, you should decide what particular skills and abilities you want to make better. Then in case of hard work and efforts, the positive outcomes won't be late.
Try not to procrastinate. Procrastination can destroy everything. On the other hand, be able to differ the times when you have to wait until a more favorable moment will come to make a step forward.
Theresa Hamilton
Recruiter
21
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Theresa’s Answer
Building skills is all about practicing those skills and then having someone (a mentor in a field that you're interested in, say) give you feedback on what can be improved. That way, when you tackle that skill again, you know what areas may need some additional attention. It's a long process but will be worth it in the end!
Abu Sanni
Health information manager
10
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Abu’s Answer
Building skills and getting better at a task requires a structured approach and dedication. Here are steps to help you improve without getting too stressed or procrastinating:
1. **Set Clear Goals**:
- Define specific, achievable goals related to the skill you want to develop. Having clear objectives will give you direction and motivation.
2. **Break It Down**:
- Divide the skill into smaller, manageable sub-skills or steps. This makes the learning process less overwhelming.
3. **Create a Learning Plan**:
- Develop a structured plan or schedule. Allocate time for practice and learning regularly. Consistency is key.
4. **Learn from Experts**:
- Seek out resources like books, online courses, tutorials, or mentors who can provide guidance and expertise in the area you're interested in.
5. **Practice Regularly**:
- Dedicate time each day or week to practice. Repetition and consistent effort are essential for skill development.
6. **Receive Feedback**:
- Be open to feedback, whether from experienced individuals, peers, or self-assessment. Constructive criticism helps you identify areas for improvement.
7. **Stay Patient**:
- Skill development takes time. Understand that you won't become an expert overnight. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge small improvements.
8. **Manage Stress**:
- Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise. High stress can hinder learning, so it's important to find ways to stay calm and focused.
9. **Combat Procrastination**:
- Break tasks into smaller, manageable parts, so they feel less daunting.
- Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break).
- Remove distractions and create a dedicated workspace.
- Set deadlines for yourself, even if they are self-imposed.
- Visualize the benefits and rewards of completing the task to boost motivation.
10. **Celebrate Progress**:
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Reward yourself for reaching milestones to stay motivated.
11. **Stay Curious**:
- Cultivate a curious mindset. Be eager to learn and explore different aspects of the skill. Curiosity can drive you to keep improving.
12. **Learn from Failure**:
- Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and keep going.
13. **Peer Support**:
- Connect with others who are learning the same skill. Sharing experiences and challenges can provide motivation and a sense of community.
14. **Track Your Progress**:
- Keep a journal or log of your practice sessions and improvements. This helps you see your growth over time.
15. **Adapt and Evolve**:
- Be flexible and willing to adapt your learning strategies if something isn't working. Experiment with different approaches until you find what works best for you.
Remember that building skills is a journey, and everyone progresses at their own pace. By following these steps and maintaining a positive mindset, you can improve your skills and minimize stress and procrastination along the way.
1. **Set Clear Goals**:
- Define specific, achievable goals related to the skill you want to develop. Having clear objectives will give you direction and motivation.
2. **Break It Down**:
- Divide the skill into smaller, manageable sub-skills or steps. This makes the learning process less overwhelming.
3. **Create a Learning Plan**:
- Develop a structured plan or schedule. Allocate time for practice and learning regularly. Consistency is key.
4. **Learn from Experts**:
- Seek out resources like books, online courses, tutorials, or mentors who can provide guidance and expertise in the area you're interested in.
5. **Practice Regularly**:
- Dedicate time each day or week to practice. Repetition and consistent effort are essential for skill development.
6. **Receive Feedback**:
- Be open to feedback, whether from experienced individuals, peers, or self-assessment. Constructive criticism helps you identify areas for improvement.
7. **Stay Patient**:
- Skill development takes time. Understand that you won't become an expert overnight. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge small improvements.
8. **Manage Stress**:
- Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise. High stress can hinder learning, so it's important to find ways to stay calm and focused.
9. **Combat Procrastination**:
- Break tasks into smaller, manageable parts, so they feel less daunting.
- Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break).
- Remove distractions and create a dedicated workspace.
- Set deadlines for yourself, even if they are self-imposed.
- Visualize the benefits and rewards of completing the task to boost motivation.
10. **Celebrate Progress**:
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Reward yourself for reaching milestones to stay motivated.
11. **Stay Curious**:
- Cultivate a curious mindset. Be eager to learn and explore different aspects of the skill. Curiosity can drive you to keep improving.
12. **Learn from Failure**:
- Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and keep going.
13. **Peer Support**:
- Connect with others who are learning the same skill. Sharing experiences and challenges can provide motivation and a sense of community.
14. **Track Your Progress**:
- Keep a journal or log of your practice sessions and improvements. This helps you see your growth over time.
15. **Adapt and Evolve**:
- Be flexible and willing to adapt your learning strategies if something isn't working. Experiment with different approaches until you find what works best for you.
Remember that building skills is a journey, and everyone progresses at their own pace. By following these steps and maintaining a positive mindset, you can improve your skills and minimize stress and procrastination along the way.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
1 - Practice regularly.
2 - Document the steps in the task. Do this rigorously. Otherwise, the more you do the task, the more likely you will do it more quickly and bypass some quality aspects.
3 - Compare to how others do the task. Faster? More steps? Better or worse?
4 - Look for peripheral enhancements that improve the overall quality.
5 - Research whether there is information on the task and better ways (or tools) to do the task. This can set your work apart from others.
6 - Record your successes. Each minor improvement is a victory.
Tip: Keeping others informed is part of any task. Involving others can be a step of quality improvement. That is, some tasks are more appreciated when not done alone.
2 - Document the steps in the task. Do this rigorously. Otherwise, the more you do the task, the more likely you will do it more quickly and bypass some quality aspects.
3 - Compare to how others do the task. Faster? More steps? Better or worse?
4 - Look for peripheral enhancements that improve the overall quality.
5 - Research whether there is information on the task and better ways (or tools) to do the task. This can set your work apart from others.
6 - Record your successes. Each minor improvement is a victory.
Tip: Keeping others informed is part of any task. Involving others can be a step of quality improvement. That is, some tasks are more appreciated when not done alone.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
276
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good you want to get better. Practice is usually the answer. Once you find something you are passionate about, you will want to look for ways to be even better. Don't hesitate to ask others how you're doing and get their ideas for improvement.
Keep on enjoying what you're doing and the feeling of accomplishment.
With every good wish!
Keep on enjoying what you're doing and the feeling of accomplishment.
With every good wish!
Mike Hayes
Singe
6
Answers
The Villages, Florida
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Stacey, if you know someone who is successful in the field you are pursuing, you might approach them to be your mentor. You are obviously passionate about wanting to improve your skills, and is you work hard at it, it will come. A mentor can help bring you along and show you how they have honed their skills. They can teach you the right way and the wrong way to advance. Everyone progresses at their own pace, but you don't want to panic and get frustrated. Most people enjoy mentoring someone who is passionate about their role, they want you to be successful and are encouraged by your desire to do the same. Ask questions, take notes, and learn how to apply your mentor's successful processes. And first and foremost, have fun at what you are doing.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
158
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello, Stacey, I appreciate your initiative in reaching out to us. You've asked a fantastic question. It's wonderful to see your forward-thinking approach towards enhancing your skills. This proactive step is key to boosting your creativity, productivity, and resilience.
In these dynamic times, when the world is constantly evolving, it's crucial for all of us to learn new things and develop fresh skills to stay relevant. To start honing your skills, the first step is to identify the areas you wish to improve. Once you've done that, explore the resources at your disposal to facilitate this growth. How do you plan to put these resources into action?
I firmly believe in the power of focused attention when it comes to skill-building. Consistency and patience play a pivotal role in this journey. Regularly assess your progress - are you evolving? Are your skills becoming more versatile and transferable?
These factors will undoubtedly set you on a path to success, placing you a step ahead of others. Best of luck! The world eagerly awaits your valuable contributions.
In these dynamic times, when the world is constantly evolving, it's crucial for all of us to learn new things and develop fresh skills to stay relevant. To start honing your skills, the first step is to identify the areas you wish to improve. Once you've done that, explore the resources at your disposal to facilitate this growth. How do you plan to put these resources into action?
I firmly believe in the power of focused attention when it comes to skill-building. Consistency and patience play a pivotal role in this journey. Regularly assess your progress - are you evolving? Are your skills becoming more versatile and transferable?
These factors will undoubtedly set you on a path to success, placing you a step ahead of others. Best of luck! The world eagerly awaits your valuable contributions.
John Ureta
System Engineer
3
Answers
Monroe Township, New Jersey
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Stacey,
Mapping a task into several steps helps me put the entire work into perspective and then plan on completing each step one at a time as opposed to trying to complete all of them at the same time. Practice and documentation have always worked for me to get better. You got this!
Mapping a task into several steps helps me put the entire work into perspective and then plan on completing each step one at a time as opposed to trying to complete all of them at the same time. Practice and documentation have always worked for me to get better. You got this!
Siddhartha Singh
IT
1
Answer
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Siddhartha’s Answer
Hello Stacy, I appreciate your reaching out to us for guidance. Remember, you're not the only one in this situation. Drawing from my personal experience over time, I've found that an effective learning strategy is to initially create a list of topics you wish to master, and then break them down into manageable parts that suit your pace. Once you've divided your list according to the number of hours you can dedicate, it's time to prioritize and stick to your plan. This method can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with procrastination and find it hard to embark on new learning journeys. As you progress, evaluate your plan to ensure it's working for you, making necessary adjustments for better results, and don't forget to enjoy the process. This will keep your motivation levels high. If you happen to know someone in the field you're studying, don't hesitate to seek one-on-one mentorship. I hope you find this advice helpful.
Kasey Edwards
Certified dental assistant
21
Answers
Dillon, South Carolina
Updated
Kasey’s Answer
Hello!
I totally understand that procrastinating can be a huge struggle for anyone. Skills come with time and cannot be achieved over night. You first have to do it and be repetitive with the task. Volunteer work could help with gaining new skills!
I wish you the best!
I totally understand that procrastinating can be a huge struggle for anyone. Skills come with time and cannot be achieved over night. You first have to do it and be repetitive with the task. Volunteer work could help with gaining new skills!
I wish you the best!
Geraldine Cochran
6
Answers
Updated
Geraldine’s Answer
Personal growth is a journey that lasts a lifetime. Turning to experts for guidance is a brilliant strategy to advance to the next level. Above all, remember to stay steady and tenacious. Keep striving to improve yourself, there's always something new to discover that can enhance your professional, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Building skills and improving at tasks is a valuable pursuit that requires focus, dedication, and effective strategies. Here are steps to help you build better skills and become more proficient without succumbing to stress and procrastination:
**1. Set Clear Goals:**
- Begin by defining specific, measurable, and achievable goals for the skill you want to build. Having a clear target will give you direction and motivation.
**2. Break It Down:**
- Divide the skill into smaller, manageable components or sub-skills. This makes the learning process less overwhelming.
**3. Create a Learning Plan:**
- Develop a structured plan that outlines what you need to learn and the steps to get there. Consider using a timeline to track your progress.
**4. Gather Resources:**
- Collect the necessary resources, such as books, online courses, tutorials, or tools, to support your skill development.
**5. Consistent Practice:**
- Regular, consistent practice is key to skill improvement. Set aside dedicated time in your schedule for practice, and stick to it. Even short, daily practice sessions can be highly effective.
**6. Seek Feedback:**
- Solicit feedback from experts, mentors, peers, or through self-assessment. Constructive feedback helps you identify areas for improvement.
**7. Embrace Mistakes:**
- Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Rather than fearing failure, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
**8. Focus on Deliberate Practice:**
- Deliberate practice involves concentrated, purposeful efforts to improve specific aspects of a skill. It often includes breaking down tasks, analyzing performance, and making targeted improvements.
**9. Visualize Success:**
- Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse successful execution of the skill. Visualization can improve your confidence and performance.
**10. Maintain Patience:**
- Skill development takes time. Be patient with yourself and avoid comparing your progress to others. Focus on your journey and incremental improvements.
**11. Avoid Procrastination:**
- Combat procrastination by setting deadlines, creating a conducive workspace, and eliminating distractions. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less daunting.
**12. Stay Motivated:**
- Find intrinsic motivation by reminding yourself of why you want to acquire this skill. Celebrate small achievements along the way to maintain enthusiasm.
**13. Adapt and Learn from Failures:**
- If you face setbacks or don't see immediate progress, adapt your approach. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and keep moving forward.
**14. Stay Balanced:**
- Prioritize self-care and maintain a work-life balance. Overloading yourself with practice can lead to burnout. Rest and relaxation are essential for effective learning.
**15. Track Your Progress:**
- Keep a journal or use digital tools to record your progress. Documenting your journey can boost motivation and help you see how far you've come.
Remember that building skills is a continuous process, and improvement often occurs incrementally. By following these steps and maintaining a positive, patient attitude, you can make steady progress without succumbing to stress and procrastination.
**1. Set Clear Goals:**
- Begin by defining specific, measurable, and achievable goals for the skill you want to build. Having a clear target will give you direction and motivation.
**2. Break It Down:**
- Divide the skill into smaller, manageable components or sub-skills. This makes the learning process less overwhelming.
**3. Create a Learning Plan:**
- Develop a structured plan that outlines what you need to learn and the steps to get there. Consider using a timeline to track your progress.
**4. Gather Resources:**
- Collect the necessary resources, such as books, online courses, tutorials, or tools, to support your skill development.
**5. Consistent Practice:**
- Regular, consistent practice is key to skill improvement. Set aside dedicated time in your schedule for practice, and stick to it. Even short, daily practice sessions can be highly effective.
**6. Seek Feedback:**
- Solicit feedback from experts, mentors, peers, or through self-assessment. Constructive feedback helps you identify areas for improvement.
**7. Embrace Mistakes:**
- Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Rather than fearing failure, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
**8. Focus on Deliberate Practice:**
- Deliberate practice involves concentrated, purposeful efforts to improve specific aspects of a skill. It often includes breaking down tasks, analyzing performance, and making targeted improvements.
**9. Visualize Success:**
- Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse successful execution of the skill. Visualization can improve your confidence and performance.
**10. Maintain Patience:**
- Skill development takes time. Be patient with yourself and avoid comparing your progress to others. Focus on your journey and incremental improvements.
**11. Avoid Procrastination:**
- Combat procrastination by setting deadlines, creating a conducive workspace, and eliminating distractions. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less daunting.
**12. Stay Motivated:**
- Find intrinsic motivation by reminding yourself of why you want to acquire this skill. Celebrate small achievements along the way to maintain enthusiasm.
**13. Adapt and Learn from Failures:**
- If you face setbacks or don't see immediate progress, adapt your approach. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and keep moving forward.
**14. Stay Balanced:**
- Prioritize self-care and maintain a work-life balance. Overloading yourself with practice can lead to burnout. Rest and relaxation are essential for effective learning.
**15. Track Your Progress:**
- Keep a journal or use digital tools to record your progress. Documenting your journey can boost motivation and help you see how far you've come.
Remember that building skills is a continuous process, and improvement often occurs incrementally. By following these steps and maintaining a positive, patient attitude, you can make steady progress without succumbing to stress and procrastination.
Joe Vachon
Customer Success Manager
1
Answer
Alameda, California
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Dear Stacey,
I can empathize with your situation as I've been there myself, so I understand how challenging it can be to initiate the process. Here are some strategies that I've found helpful, which I hope will assist you too:
1. You'd be amazed at the vast amount of free training resources available online. When I needed to acquire Linux skills for a job interview, I utilized these resources multiple times before my interview and it paid off - I got the job! I continued to use these resources to improve my skills beyond the basic level. Even now, I often refer to "How To" videos on YouTube for guidance on various software queries. There's a wealth of people out there eager to share their expertise on topics they're passionate about.
2. Your local public library is a goldmine of resources, all at your disposal and free of charge. Having grown up with a mother who worked at a library, I spent a lot of time there and discovered a wealth of information.
3. Try researching professionals on LinkedIn who specialize in your areas of interest and attempt to connect with them. Although this may be slightly challenging currently, sometimes all it takes is one person to open a door for you to set things in motion. Requesting an informational interview, where you simply ask someone to share their career journey and how they progressed, can be an effective way to learn new strategies (similar to using CareerVillage!).
4. If you live near a higher education institution, see if you can audit a class for free. It's always worth asking - the worst they can say is no.
As for your final question about managing stress and procrastination, this varies from person to person. Consider whether the goals you've set for yourself are realistic within your given timeframe. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks to maintain steady progress. If you don't achieve a goal one day, don't be hard on yourself - simply start again the next day. Collaborating with someone on a project can also be beneficial as it keeps you both accountable. Do you know someone who shares your ambitions?
Best of luck with your future achievements - I'm confident you'll succeed!
I can empathize with your situation as I've been there myself, so I understand how challenging it can be to initiate the process. Here are some strategies that I've found helpful, which I hope will assist you too:
1. You'd be amazed at the vast amount of free training resources available online. When I needed to acquire Linux skills for a job interview, I utilized these resources multiple times before my interview and it paid off - I got the job! I continued to use these resources to improve my skills beyond the basic level. Even now, I often refer to "How To" videos on YouTube for guidance on various software queries. There's a wealth of people out there eager to share their expertise on topics they're passionate about.
2. Your local public library is a goldmine of resources, all at your disposal and free of charge. Having grown up with a mother who worked at a library, I spent a lot of time there and discovered a wealth of information.
3. Try researching professionals on LinkedIn who specialize in your areas of interest and attempt to connect with them. Although this may be slightly challenging currently, sometimes all it takes is one person to open a door for you to set things in motion. Requesting an informational interview, where you simply ask someone to share their career journey and how they progressed, can be an effective way to learn new strategies (similar to using CareerVillage!).
4. If you live near a higher education institution, see if you can audit a class for free. It's always worth asking - the worst they can say is no.
As for your final question about managing stress and procrastination, this varies from person to person. Consider whether the goals you've set for yourself are realistic within your given timeframe. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks to maintain steady progress. If you don't achieve a goal one day, don't be hard on yourself - simply start again the next day. Collaborating with someone on a project can also be beneficial as it keeps you both accountable. Do you know someone who shares your ambitions?
Best of luck with your future achievements - I'm confident you'll succeed!
Kiran Kakumani
Principal Engineer
3
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Kiran’s Answer
Concentrate on the task you're working on.
1. Eliminate all distractions. This includes your phone, social media alerts, and other notifications.
2. Implement the Pomodoro method. This involves working on your task for a dedicated 25-minute period, then taking a 5-minute break before moving on to the next task.
3. At the end of the day, assess how much you've accomplished. Any unfinished tasks can be tackled the following day.
1. Eliminate all distractions. This includes your phone, social media alerts, and other notifications.
2. Implement the Pomodoro method. This involves working on your task for a dedicated 25-minute period, then taking a 5-minute break before moving on to the next task.
3. At the end of the day, assess how much you've accomplished. Any unfinished tasks can be tackled the following day.