Something I Want to Learn More About: 101 Skills to Transform Your Life in 2025

Are you looking for something you want to learn more about in 2025? Investing your time in skill development is a powerful way to make the most of the upcoming year.

Consider the world’s most accomplished individuals. A common thread among them is a dedication to lifelong learning and the consistent acquisition of new skills. Their success isn’t accidental; it’s often rooted in a commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement through learning.

Instead of passively consuming time with television or other unproductive habits, successful people proactively choose to learn and grow. The possibilities for learning are truly endless, and to help you navigate this vast landscape, we’ve compiled a list of 101 valuable things to learn. These skills are carefully selected to enhance both your personal and professional life, providing you with a roadmap for self-improvement and expanded horizons.

This comprehensive list is designed to simplify your search and make it easier to pinpoint something you want to learn more about. Narrowing down your interests becomes less daunting when you have a curated selection of impactful skills at your fingertips.

We will explore 101 new skills across various domains that you can learn with just an hour of dedicated practice each day. These skills are poised to dramatically improve your life, both personally and professionally, equipping you for success and fulfillment in the years ahead.

If you’re eager to jumpstart your learning journey and want resources to help you master these skills, we recommend exploring platforms that specialize in online education. These platforms offer structured courses and expert guidance to help you learn virtually any skill you set your mind to.

Let’s dive into the list of new skills you can start learning today and discover something you want to learn more about!

Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Post?

This is a substantial guide! If you’re short on time, we’ve curated a selection of top-rated courses that focus on teaching highly sought-after skills. These are reader favorites, designed to help you quickly master valuable competencies in the coming year. Here are some of the most popular resources:

Resource	What’s it about?
Rocket Languages Speak a new language with confidence	An engaging app that simplifies and accelerates the process of learning a new foreign language.
Become a SuperLearner Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory	Unlock accelerated learning by mastering speed reading and memory enhancement techniques.
Ted’s Woodworking	Access to 16,000 detailed woodworking plans and projects, complete with instructional videos.
Piano for All	A revolutionary method to learn piano and keyboard effectively and enjoyably in months.
The Ultimate Drawing Course Beginner to Advanced	Master the fundamental building blocks of art and drawing, from beginner to advanced levels.
Beginner Guitar Lessons Beginner	A comprehensive, step-by-step guitar course designed for beginners with a proven learning system.
Photography Masterclass Your Complete Guide to Photography	The ultimate online photography class, teaching beginners to advanced techniques for taking and selling photos.
Humor Writing	Learn professional humor writing techniques for writing and public speaking, creating consistently funny content.
Beginner’s Guide to Adobe Photoshop	Master Adobe Photoshop basics for image editing and graphic creation, even from scratch.
The Writer’s Toolkit 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit	Transform your business writing, blogs, books, and essays into compelling and impactful masterpieces.
Master Planning Plan Your Day, Week, Month, Quarter & Year	Learn a powerful system for planning your day, week, month, quarter, and year efficiently in just 60 minutes each.

General Skills to Learn (Fun and Practical Skills)

These “general skills” are a diverse collection, spanning across various aspects of life. They might not fit neatly into a specific category, but they represent the types of skills that often come to mind when we think about something we want to learn more about for personal enrichment. While we often entertain the idea of learning these skills, we may not always commit the necessary time and effort to actually acquire them. (Consider using life skills worksheets to accelerate your learning process.)

Learning new general skills can be incredibly useful and enjoyable, contributing to a well-rounded personality. Imagine the satisfaction of playing the guitar, confidently fixing your car, preparing a gourmet meal, cultivating a thriving garden, and possessing self-defense skills – all enriching aspects of a fulfilling life.

1. Speak a New Language

You’ve likely heard this advice before, but it remains profoundly relevant.

Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities and brings exceptional benefits to your life.

Language learning empowers you to:

• Travel to exciting destinations and genuinely connect with local cultures through conversation.
• Challenge yourself intellectually and engage in a stimulating and rewarding activity.
• Enhance your career prospects and expand your professional horizons in a globalized world.

The traditional challenges of language learning often revolve around time constraints and choosing the right learning platform. Fortunately, this app simplifies language acquisition, making it more accessible and efficient than ever.

2. Speed Reading

Think about the impact on your productivity if you could process all your required reading in a fraction of the time. Imagine completing your reading list in one-third or even half the usual time.

Speed reading is essentially about understanding and applying the principles of human visual processing to enhance reading efficiency. It enables you to eliminate ineffective reading habits and significantly increase your reading speed while simultaneously improving comprehension and retention.

Even modest improvements in reading speed can translate to substantial time savings over time. Many individuals report remarkable gains in reading speed after developing this valuable skill, making it something they want to learn more about for professional and personal advantage.

Resource: Become a Super Learner

For a quick introduction to speed reading techniques, explore our post, 9 Steps to Increase Your Reading Speed, or delve into these 11 insightful books on speed reading.

3. Basic Home Repairs

While I’m not a home repair expert, I firmly believe that basic home maintenance skills are essential for everyone.

One of the strongest arguments for learning basic home repairs is the significant cost and time savings compared to hiring professionals. Home repair services can be surprisingly expensive and scheduling appointments can be inconvenient. Fortunately, numerous online resources offer step-by-step guidance for common home repairs, including YouTube channels like DIY Pete and Home Made Modern.

You can also find tutorials for specific projects from channels like DIY Homestead Projects and even Home Depot. Learning these skills is definitely something you want to learn more about for homeownership and self-sufficiency.

For a comprehensive resource on DIY projects, consider Ted’s Woodworking course.

A person engrossed in a woodworking project in their well-equipped workshop, showcasing the hands-on nature of learning home repair skills.

4. Learn How to Draw

Drawing is a fundamental skill inherent in all of us from birth. Unlike reading and writing, which require explicit instruction, the ability to draw is a natural human capacity.

Drawing is a vital form of communication, transcending language barriers and universally understood. Children begin to draw even before they learn to read or write, and continue to use drawing as a form of expression throughout their lives. If you are seeking something you want to learn more about to unleash your creativity, drawing is an excellent choice.

Enroll in a drawing course that will guide you toward professional-level skills in a short time. Refine your artistic abilities and express your creativity through the art of drawing.

Resource: Ultimate Drawing Course Beginner to Advanced

5. Basic Car Repairs

Car repairs can quickly become a significant financial burden, but many common repairs can be handled yourself with a little skill development. Even without advanced technical expertise, you can learn to perform tasks like oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and alternator replacements. These skills not only save you money but also valuable time.

Explore these helpful video channels: channel 1 and channel 2 to begin learning basic car repairs. This knowledge will also enhance your problem-solving abilities, a valuable asset in many areas of life, making it something you want to learn more about for practical reasons.

6. Organize and Declutter Your Home

Are you familiar with the KonMari Method of decluttering? It’s currently the most popular and effective approach to home organization.

The KonMari Method, developed by Marie Kondo, a renowned organizing consultant based in Tokyo, helps individuals transform their homes into peaceful and inspiring environments. The method begins with decluttering, discarding items that no longer serve a purpose in your life, and then systematically organizing what remains. A clutter-free home fosters a sense of calm, reduces stress, and creates a more harmonious living space. Learning effective decluttering techniques is definitely something you want to learn more about for a more peaceful home.

The class linked below is taught by Marie Kondo herself. Even if you’ve read her bestselling book, this organization training provides visual demonstrations (in video format) of her cleaning methods, which can be challenging to grasp solely from the book (such as her signature folding techniques).

Resource #1: How to Declutter and Organize Any Space

Resource #2: 15 Books on Organizing, Decluttering, and Simplifying Your Life

7. Master Photoshop

Basic Photoshop skills are increasingly valuable in today’s digital world. Learning Photoshop is an essential asset if you’re pursuing a career in graphic or web design, or even for enhancing your personal photos and creative projects at home. Given its widespread application across industries, Photoshop proficiency is a valuable addition to any resume, making it something you want to learn more about for professional advantage.

Photoshop is also particularly useful for those in marketing roles. Whether you’re designing flyers, email newsletters, or brochures, Photoshop skills empower you to optimize your visuals and refine your images for maximum impact. Photoshop itself offers learning resources to get you started.

For more structured, hands-on training, the course linked below offers over three hours of video instruction, guiding you through the fundamentals of Photoshop mastery.

Resource: Beginner’s Guide to Adobe Photoshop

8. Play the Guitar

Can learning to play the guitar truly enhance your well-being? Research suggests a fascinating connection between guitar playing and brain function.

Studies indicate that the brains of guitar players exhibit slightly different activity patterns compared to non-musicians. The process of learning guitar chords and reading music notation can forge new neural pathways and positively rewire the brain, leading to cognitive benefits. If music is something you want to learn more about, guitar is a great instrument to begin with.

If playing the guitar has always been a dream, or if you’re seeking a skill to develop from the ground up, explore this guitar training course designed for beginners and taught by expert instructors. It removes common barriers to learning, allowing you to play recognizable songs within hours rather than months.

Resource: Beginner Guitar Lessons

9. Photography

It’s often said that we spend too much time capturing experiences through photos instead of fully immersing ourselves in the moment. However, photographs are powerful tools for preserving memories, sharing our perspectives with the world, and telling compelling stories.

Everyone can benefit from learning basic photography, as it offers numerous advantages. It’s a fulfilling hobby that cultivates creativity and provides a unique lens through which to view the world. (Explore other creative hobbies to spark your imagination!) If visual storytelling is something you want to learn more about, photography is ideal.

The photography masterclass linked below provides a comprehensive guide to photography, with 15 hours of in-depth training. It covers everything from understanding camera mechanics to essential equipment, and even offers tips for selling your photographs.

Resource: Master Photography Skill

A photographer capturing a breathtaking landscape, illustrating the creative and expressive nature of photography as a skill.

10. Gardening: How to Grow Anything

Perhaps past gardening attempts have left you feeling discouraged, convinced that a green thumb is an unattainable skill.

However, learning to cultivate your own flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits can be incredibly rewarding. Imagine the cost savings and the beauty of a lush, thriving garden right outside your door. Furthermore, consuming homegrown produce is the healthiest way to nourish your body with essential nutrients. If sustainable living is something you want to learn more about, gardening is a practical skill.

This helpful video provides guidance on growing your own greens for healthy salads, featuring a garden tour in Southern California. Additionally, explore this video channel for deeper insights into organic gardening practices.

11. Learn to Cook Like a PRO

While effortlessly preparing a four-course meal on short notice might seem like a distant aspiration, mastering basic cooking skills, such as making a delicious pasta dish, a comforting soup, or perfect chocolate chip cookies from scratch, is within everyone’s reach. Developing proficient cooking skills is a valuable investment that will benefit you throughout your life. If culinary arts are something you want to learn more about, home cooking is a great starting point.

Firstly, you gain control over the ingredients in your food, allowing you to make healthier choices for yourself and your family. You can manage fat and salt content to create a balanced and nutritious diet. Secondly, you’ll impress friends and family with your culinary creations, even with simple dishes.

Finally, cooking at home saves significant money compared to dining out. You can prepare enough food for leftovers, providing lunch for the next day and even freezing meals for future dinners.

To get started, try this online service that helps you plan meals tailored to your dietary needs, cooking preferences, family size, and local grocery stores. It provides weekly meal plans and detailed grocery lists.

Other Resources: Creative Cooking: Simple Sauces | Kitchen Confidence | Think Like a Chef

12. Learn Piano

Playing a musical instrument, often the piano or guitar, is a common aspiration on many people’s bucket lists. However, learning these instruments can seem daunting due to the perceived complexity of acquiring the necessary skills.

Many have tried traditional teaching methods and become discouraged by slow progress, spending excessive time on basic exercises and uninspiring tunes like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” If musical instruments are something you want to learn more about, piano is a fantastic choice.

The Piano for All course offers a different approach. It starts with the fundamentals, building a solid foundation, but integrates learning with engaging, modern piano songs. This method makes learning enjoyable, motivating you to practice and showcase your skills after just a few hours of lessons.

Resource: Find out more about what (and how) this top-rated online piano training can help you learn to play the piano easily.

13. Learn Basic Self-Defense

Confidence in your ability to protect yourself – mentally, financially, and physically – is invaluable. Self-defense classes provide the skills and confidence to handle physical threats in various situations. While self-defense is often associated with women and children, it’s a crucial skill for everyone. If personal safety is something you want to learn more about, self-defense is essential.

The key is to find a martial art that resonates with you and learn foundational self-defense techniques in a class setting.

If martial arts training isn’t currently feasible, consider investing in a 9mm pistol and practicing at a shooting range. Remember to always use proper hearing protection.

14. Make Your Own Furniture and Decorations

For many, including myself, woodworking evokes a sense of wonder. I have fond memories of my grandfather crafting intricate wooden decorations and my father building our home deck when I was young. However, my own attempts at woodworking have often ended in frustration. It seems the woodworking gene skipped a generation with me, a skill I haven’t naturally acquired. If craftsmanship is something you want to learn more about, woodworking is a rewarding skill.

This is why I’m intrigued by woodworking courses that break down the process into manageable steps and offer detailed plans. These resources make complex woodworking projects seem approachable, even for someone with limited prior experience.

Resource: See some of the amazing things you can make with woodworking.

15. Master Tai Chi

Learning Tai Chi offers significant benefits for both physical and mental well-being. This practice can alleviate age-related health conditions and encourage relaxation and stress reduction for people of all ages. Stress mitigation is a primary benefit of Tai Chi. If stress management is something you want to learn more about, Tai Chi is an excellent choice.

Tai Chi emphasizes six principles of flow, cultivating grace and fluidity in practitioners. Explore this healthy exercise form that reduces stress, builds confidence, enhances grace and strength, promotes longevity, and clears the mind.

Resource: Introduction to Tai Chi Flows with Heng Ni

16. Perform Basic Dance Moves (For Guys)

Gentlemen, have you ever felt self-conscious and awkward on the dance floor, lacking the confidence to impress?

Many have been in that situation.

Attempting fancy moves only to look uncoordinated, or worse, staying on the sidelines, afraid of embarrassment.

You don’t need to be a professional dancer to enjoy yourself and connect with people on the dance floor. Having a few basic dance moves in your repertoire can significantly boost your confidence. That’s why learning basic dance moves is a valuable skill. If social confidence is something you want to learn more about, dance skills can help.

To get started, here’s a humorous yet helpful video on how to avoid dancing awkwardly.

Resource: A Beginners Guide to Hip Hop Dance Moves

17. Become a Reader

Reading is arguably the most important skill on this entire list. Even reading fiction expands your knowledge and broadens your worldview. Books transport you to new places, introduce you to diverse perspectives, and impart skills you might not otherwise encounter. If lifelong learning is something you want to learn more about, reading is fundamental.

Develop a consistent reading habit, engaging with articles, summaries, drafts, books, and various written materials. The quality of information directly correlates with the value you gain from reading. While comic books can be enjoyable, reading non-fiction on topics that genuinely interest you offers greater learning potential.

A personal guideline: Read one non-fiction book for learning for every fiction book read for enjoyment. For efficiently digesting numerous books, try this app that provides concise 10-minute book summaries.

Resource: 200+ Best Self Help Books (or How to Never Run Out of Good Things to Read)

18. Change a Flat Tire

Flat tires range from minor inconveniences to significant problems. The ability to quickly resolve a flat tire often distinguishes between the two.

Despite advancements in tire technology and run-flat tires, flat tires still occur. And, as Murphy’s Law dictates, they often happen at the most inconvenient times. If practical problem-solving is something you want to learn more about, tire changing is a useful skill.

Don’t rely solely on roadside assistance to fix your flat tires. It’s a straightforward process that fosters self-reliance. Learning to change a flat tire yourself can also save you money on service calls.

Resource: How To Change A Flat Tire

19. Gain the Skill of Humor

Imagine being stranded on a desert island with two companions: one annoying and one funny. Most would undoubtedly prefer the company of someone with a good sense of humor.

Humor stems from recognizing absurdity, chance, circumstance, tone, language choice, and emphasis. These are all valuable skills in their own right, and together they form the foundation of humor. If social dynamics are something you want to learn more about, humor is a powerful tool.

Effectively using humor in writing, speech, and social situations makes you highly sought-after, like a welcome oasis in a monotonous landscape.

Resource #1: Humor Writing: Write Funny for the Internet

Resource #2: 15 Hilarious Ways To Be Funny

20. Jump-start a Dead Battery

At any given moment, someone somewhere is dealing with a dead car battery, often without jumper cables. Unlike a flat tire, a dead battery typically requires assistance from another person (unless you have a portable battery powerpack jumper). If automotive skills are something you want to learn more about, jump-starting is essential.

But what if the only help available is someone with another car battery but no knowledge of how to use jumper cables? Will you be prepared to connect the cables, follow the procedure, and get your car running again, or will you be stranded?

This is another fundamental skill that every adult should possess.

Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to jump-start a car.

Resource: How to Jump Start a Car – The Complete Guide

21. Learn to Start a Fire (Anywhere)

Fire is one of the most essential resources in wilderness survival. It purifies water, provides warmth, and deters wild animals. If survival skills are something you want to learn more about, fire starting is paramount.

Many believe starting a fire from scratch is a complex skill, reserved for experienced survivalists. However, with friction, airflow, kindling, and a tinder bundle to sustain the flame, it’s surprisingly simple.

This FREE Everstryke Waterproof fire starter simplifies the process.

Resource: 9 Ways To Start a Fire Without Matches

22. Survive A MAJOR Crisis

Starting a fire without matches might be the extent of my personal “woodsman” skills (and even that takes me a while).

I recognize my lack of preparedness for a major global crisis. However, like most skills, training is available to equip me for unforeseen events. If preparedness is something you want to learn more about, crisis survival is crucial.

While I remain optimistic and don’t subscribe to doomsday predictions of global collapse due to financial crises, wars, or natural disasters, the reality is that the world can change dramatically for the worse in an instant.

While I hope it never happens, knowing how to protect my family in an unimaginable crisis would be reassuring.

Resources: Survival Guide: Fundamental Skills | CPR, AED & First Aid

23. Sewing, Stitching and Patching

Sewing, stitching, and patching are versatile and valuable skills. While often stereotyped as feminine, there’s nothing gendered about saving a favorite pair of pants from being ruined. If resourcefulness is something you want to learn more about, sewing is practical.

The short course below teaches basic sewing skills, sewing machine operation, and even advanced techniques to elevate your sewing abilities.

Resources: Sewing Basics: Make Your Clothing | Hand Sewing Basics

24. Meet and Attract a Perfect Life Partner

Finding love is a common desire for many.

However, finding that ideal partner can sometimes feel impossible. They are out there, but you need the confidence and social skills to be attractive when you first meet them. If relationships are something you want to learn more about, attraction is key.

If shyness or self-doubt hinders your confidence, overcoming these obstacles is crucial for putting yourself out there and meeting someone special. Learning how to meet and attract a compatible life partner is important for a fulfilling life.

If shyness or social anxiety prevents you from meeting that “perfect someone,” the training below is highly recommended.

Resource #1: Simple Steps to Overcome Shyness & Cure Social Anxiety

Resource #2: 35 Places to Meet New People

Resource #3: 371 Deep Questions to Ask to Know Someone Deeply

25. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

In a crowded restaurant, someone starts choking. Their only hope is that someone nearby knows the Heimlich maneuver. The technique is simple to learn with proper instruction. If emergency response is something you want to learn more about, the Heimlich is vital.

Every adult should learn and practice this life-saving skill until it becomes automatic. Knowing the Heimlich maneuver could save a life.

Resource: Choking: First Aid

26. Perform CPR

CPR is another essential skill that every adult should learn and practice regularly. The time to learn CPR is not during an emergency, but proactively in your free time. If emergency response is something you want to learn more about, CPR is crucial.

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the technique of reviving someone’s heart and lungs using chest compressions and rescue breaths. It’s a fundamental skill taught to emergency medical professionals.

CPR is easy to learn, but its potential impact is immense. Learning CPR could keep a loved one alive until emergency responders arrive.

Resource: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): First aid

Mental Skills

Not all skills to learn are purely for fun, like playing guitar or learning a language. Some skills are far more fundamentally valuable. If cognitive enhancement is something you want to learn more about, mental skills are key.

For instance, learning how to learn itself is a powerful skill. Understanding the intricacies of learning makes acquiring any subsequent skill or knowledge faster and easier because you grasp the underlying learning process.

Many mental skills are foundational, enhancing your ability to understand, act, achieve, and generally succeed in various aspects of life.

Want to learn how to improve your learning? Check out my book: Novice to Expert

27. Ask the Right Questions

The most important mental skill is asking the right questions. Many people seek answers to questions they haven’t even formulated properly. Asking the right questions eliminates wasted time searching for irrelevant information. If effective thinking is something you want to learn more about, questioning is fundamental.

A great way to cultivate this skill is to constantly ask yourself:

• What is the most important question I could ask myself right now?
• How can I effectively achieve my desired outcome?

Resource: How to Ask Better Questions

28. Find What Interests You and/or Your Passions

Starting a conversation without genuine interest in anything is unproductive. Similarly, acting, working, or behaving without genuine interest undermines authenticity. If self-discovery is something you want to learn more about, passion is crucial.

It’s crucial to care deeply about your work, relationships, success, future, and everything else that matters to you. Find aspects of life that captivate your attention and bring you genuine enjoyment.

“Having passion” for what you do might sound cliché, but it’s true. When you’re genuinely invested in your pursuits, learning new skills becomes less of a chore and more of an active, enjoyable pursuit.

Resource #1: Double Your Confidence & Discover Your Life’s Purpose

Resource #2: Discover Your Passion

Resource #3: 5 Steps to Discover Your Life Purpose

29. Utilize Critical Thinking

Critical thinking enhances success and understanding by employing higher-level thought processes. It’s a combination of distinct skills that merge to form thought patterns leading to better outcomes. If problem-solving is something you want to learn more about, critical thinking is essential.

Critical thinking is a powerful tool for achieving greater success. Simply understanding the principles of critical thinking can significantly improve your life.

30. The Skill of Mindful Living

Mindfulness is a vital mental skill to cultivate. If inner peace is something you want to learn more about, mindfulness is transformative.

Mindfulness, while a mental skill, touches on many aspects of life. It reduces stress, alleviates suffering from various pains and illnesses, and promotes overall health and happiness by fostering the mind-body-spirit connection.

In essence, mindfulness is paying deliberate attention to your present experiences. In our fast-paced world, maintaining 100% mindfulness at all times is challenging. Mindfulness is typically practiced through specific activities where you focus intently on the present moment, such as “mindful eating.” (Explore 71 mindfulness exercises for deeper practice.)

Mindful eating exemplifies mindfulness. It involves eating slowly, savoring tastes and flavors, discerning ingredients, and reflecting on the sensory experience of the food.

Want to learn more about mindfulness and cultivate greater mindfulness in your life? Explore books co-authored with Barrie Davenport.

Resources: Our Mindfulness Books and Journal

Declutter Your Mind	10-Minute Mindfulness
Mindful Relationship Habits	The Mindfulness Journal

31. Be Comfortable With Change

If your life is unsatisfying, change is clearly desirable. Even if life is good, you likely want it to remain so or improve further. If personal growth is something you want to learn more about, embracing change is essential.

Both scenarios involve the potential for change. Instead of fearing change, embrace it as a constant and potentially positive force in life.

Change, especially habit change, is a core area of expertise. Numerous articles explore how to make positive life changes through habit modification.

While various approaches to habit change exist, effective change fundamentally involves these 8 core steps.

Resource: How to Form a New Habit (In 8 Steps)

32. Find and Remove Useless or BAD Habits

If “useless” habits are defined as those with no positive impact on your goals, or even a negative impact, eliminating them can yield dramatic results. Stop consuming irrelevant information when you could be reading something more valuable. If productivity is something you want to learn more about, habit management is crucial.

Reduce unproductive TV time to gain more time for activities that contribute to your success.

Unsure what constitutes a bad habit? Review this list of bad habits. Consider replacing some of these with beneficial habits from this list of good habits.

Resource: How to Break a Bad Habit (without the Cravings)

33. Develop Confidence

Someone once asked how I remain calm and comfortable taking risks. My response: “I’m quite capable.” The only hesitation in that statement was the slight understatement. If self-improvement is something you want to learn more about, confidence is foundational.

To be clear, this isn’t about an inflated ego. Boasting about accomplishments is infrequent, and encouraging others is prioritized over self-promotion. Introversion is also a personal characteristic.

However, projecting confidence is vital. Qualifiers like “kind of” undermine confidence, suggesting uncertainty about your own abilities.

Confidence is recognizing and embodying your strengths. Confident individuals may have moments of weakness, but confidence itself remains unwavering.

Resource #1: Self-Confidence – 11 Habits to Nurture to Get It

Resource #2: 20 Affirmations for Confidence and Self-Esteem

34. Think Positive

Life inevitably presents challenges. Negative events occur, and past experiences can linger. Negative thoughts can easily dominate your mind, but actively resisting this is essential. If mental wellness is something you want to learn more about, positive thinking is key.

Positive thinking is a skill that requires conscious effort to cultivate. Investing time in developing positivity is worthwhile.

A positive mindset empowers you to control your feelings, behaviors, and forward momentum. This starts with consciously adopting positive and productive thought patterns that energize rather than deplete you.

Resource: 100 Positive-Thinking Exercises That Will Make Any Patient Healthier & Happier

35. Improve your Memory Skill

If you appreciate quotes, poems, lyrics, or excerpts, memorizing them is valuable. While reciting them to others is beneficial, internalizing meaningful words is even more impactful. If cognitive enhancement is something you want to learn more about, memory improvement is vital.

Remembering significant words helps instill them within ourselves. If something is worth remembering, it’s likely worth embodying.

A sharp memory is even more crucial for students. Memorizing coursework effectively provides a significant academic advantage.

Memory is not an innate talent, except for rare cases of eidetic memory (affecting approximately 1 in a million people). For most, memory is like a muscle, strengthened through consistent effort, repetition, and training. It’s a skill that needs to be nurtured and developed.

Explore memory exercises to enhance your memory skills.

Resource 1: Free book that helps you retain information 3x faster than your current rate.

Resource 2: Memory Tips & Tricks

36. Maintain Self-Awareness

Many become consumed by plans, goals, memories, and ideas, missing the present moment. As John Lennon said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” If personal insight is something you want to learn more about, self-awareness is crucial.

Self-awareness involves staying grounded in the present and truly understanding your current life situation, even while pursuing future aspirations.

While this sounds simple, it’s not always easy.

What is self-awareness?

It’s being fully present to experiences as they unfold, without judgment or excessive analysis. Embracing life’s experiences cultivates awareness.

Resource: Activities to Build Self Awareness

37. Skill of Focus

Focus is a meta-skill influencing many other mental abilities. Sustained concentration on a single task is essential for maximizing creativity and productivity. If productivity enhancement is something you want to learn more about, focus is paramount.

A cluttered mind or multitasking hinders focus. Like other mental and physical skills, focus can be improved with practice.

Think your focus is strong? Try the White Bear Experiment: attempt to think about anything else for five minutes without thinking of white bears.

Resource: 10 Mindful Habits to Build the Power of Focus

38. Improve Your Research Skills

When seeking information from lists like this, remember that each source offers a limited perspective. Seek diverse information, even if you feel you have sufficient answers, as new insights can be transformative. If knowledge acquisition is something you want to learn more about, research skills are essential.

To begin, explore these 15 note-taking apps.

Resource: How to Research Effectively

39. Rewire your Brain

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire itself. You can enhance IQ, memory, reading speed, and cognition through neuroplasticity principles. The goal is to create new neural pathways, enabling faster and easier learning, similar to childhood learning. If brain plasticity is something you want to learn more about, neuroplasticity techniques are valuable.

Neuroplasticity science is constantly evolving. Learning new skills actively forges new brain pathways, making future skill acquisition easier.

Resource: I Am In Control: CBT, Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity

40. Build the Deliberate Practice Habit

Consider two basketball players practicing for an hour. One practices broadly, doing various drills without focused intent. The other uses deliberate practice, concentrating intensely on specific shots from a particular spot, with a coach providing feedback and minimizing downtime. If skill mastery is something you want to learn more about, deliberate practice is essential.

The focused practice of the second player is far more effective than the first player’s general practice.

This is the power of deliberate practice, a learnable habit. Mastering deliberate practice makes skill development in any area more efficient and effective.

Resource: How to Use Deliberate Practice to Master Any Skill

41. Think Logically

Many people react to problems emotionally and erratically, panicking or becoming overwhelmed. Logic is a mathematical process for finding appropriate solutions. If rational thinking is something you want to learn more about, logic is crucial.

Remember, appropriate solutions matter, not emotional responses during challenging times.

Resource: Mental Models: How Intelligent People Solve Unsolvable Problems

Money Skills

(Side note: A simple way to enhance your financial literacy is by joining over 1 million subscribers and starting your day with news from Wall St. to Silicon Valley. This newsletter is a concise, informative, and free 5-minute read!)

Money is generally desirable. While wealth isn’t necessarily the goal, financial security is beneficial. If financial literacy is something you want to learn more about, money skills are essential.

Money and finances are skills, unfortunately often neglected. Skills encompass frugal living, budgeting, personal finance, debt management, saving, investing, and more.

If you’re seeking a new skill and lack financial expertise, this is an excellent starting point. These skills can help you earn more, spend less, retain more earnings, and save for investments, property, or future goals. (Explore 26 better money habits for financial improvement.)

42. Creating a Personal Budget

Early financial planning is crucial for future success. Spending beyond your means leads to debt and poor credit. Budgeting is simplified with effective software. If financial management is something you want to learn more about, budgeting is fundamental.

Mint is recommended for creating a budget aligned with your income and lifestyle. Mint integrates essential services to help create and manage your budget effectively.

If you’re unfamiliar with budgeting, this class provides a basic introduction.

Resource: Learn How to Budget! Personal Budgeting Made Easy in 16 Minutes!

43. Make Purchases and Get Cash Back

A common issue in credit-driven societies is the accumulation of fees. ATM fees, credit card fees, late payment penalties, and interest charges add up. If smart spending is something you want to learn more about, cashback is a valuable strategy.

Turning this around by earning cashback on purchases is beneficial. Utilizing apps that automatically calculate cashback on everyday purchases is a great way to save and earn money.

The M1 cashback card is recommended, also assisting with smart investing decisions.

Resource #2: Review of the Digit Money-Saving App

44. Track Receipts

Receipt tracking is key to effective budgeting. Physical storage of receipts is no longer necessary; a digital system suffices. If organization is something you want to learn more about, receipt tracking is practical.

Taking photos of receipts and storing them in Evernote is a simple method.

(Learn to Master Evernote.)

Software like Neat offers more advanced receipt and document tracking. Neat extracts key information and integrates with accounting software for streamlined financial organization.

For optimal use, consider a NeatReceipts mobile scanner to scan receipts at the point of purchase, automatically organizing them within the software.

45. How to Repair Credit

Financial setbacks may necessitate credit repair to enable future major purchases like homes or cars. If financial recovery is something you want to learn more about, credit repair is crucial.

Learning credit repair is essential for situations where you need credit but have a damaged credit history.

Simple credit repair involves negotiating defaulted loans, removing negative marks from your credit report, and making above-minimum payments to accelerate debt repayment.

These are broad steps, and numerous smaller actions can improve your credit. Explore resources for detailed credit-boosting tips.

Resource: Credit Repair 101: Raise Your Credit Score FAST!

46. Apply for Loans and Credit Cards

Fear or reluctance can prevent people from applying for loans and credit cards. Using borrowed money can be powerful, for both positive and negative outcomes. However, you can’t benefit without applying. If financial tools are something you want to learn more about, credit access is important.

Credit cards are necessary for building credit scores. The key is responsible usage: only buying what you can afford and paying it off promptly. This allows you to leverage credit card benefits without incurring debt.

Secured credit cards are an option if credit remains a significant concern.

Resource 1: M1 Financing offers competitive rates compared to traditional banks.

Resource 2: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

47. Manage Your Debt

Debt management is a crucial skill. Learning to manage debt can help you escape debt cycles and allocate your money towards your goals rather than interest payments. If financial freedom is something you want to learn more about, debt management is essential.

Debt management involves timely payments and strategic repayment to eliminate debt quickly.

Avoid using essential funds like rent money for debt repayment, but consider small lifestyle adjustments, like brewing coffee at home, to allocate extra funds towards debt reduction.

Frugal living is a key debt management skill. Small, daily savings choices accumulate and contribute significantly to debt reduction.

Resource: Best Books on Frugal Living and Reducing Debt

48. How to Save, Spend and Invest

Spending money is strategically using funds to improve your current situation. If financial strategy is something you want to learn more about, understanding saving, spending, and investing is crucial.

Saving money is intentionally reducing spending and resisting impulsive purchases for future financial security. Investing money is allocating funds for future financial gains.

These are essential financial skills, with investing carrying both significant potential and risk. Investing offers the opportunity to grow wealth and achieve financial independence or comfortable retirement.

However, investment involves risk, and understanding risk-reward dynamics is crucial.

Resource 1: M1 Finance offers a free investing platform.

Resource 2: Best Books on Investing

49. Weighing Risk and Reward

Risk and reward are inherent in all decisions. Some situations are riskier, while others are more rewarding. Effective decision-making involves evaluating potential risks alongside potential rewards to determine if the choice is worthwhile. If strategic decision-making is something you want to learn more about, risk assessment is vital.

Resource: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

50. Save Money

Saving money is a fundamental aspect of financial management. Living within your means and setting aside savings for future needs is essential. Avoid relying on credit lines for emergencies; a healthy savings account provides a safety net. If financial security is something you want to learn more about, saving is paramount.

Saving money is a skill. Explore resources for tips on increasing your savings rate.

Resource: 17 Best Money-Saving Apps

51. Conserve Utilities

Leaving lights on or appliances running when not in use is common. However, consciously conserving utilities in your home, office, or apartment can significantly reduce monthly utility bills. If cost-saving is something you want to learn more about, utility conservation is practical.

Many people underestimate utility waste and the potential savings from diligent conservation.

Conserving energy also benefits the environment.

Simple daily actions for utility conservation:

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Turn off electronics when not in use (even standby mode consumes electricity).
• Utilize natural ventilation and fans instead of air conditioning when weather permits.
• Open blinds in winter to utilize sunlight for heating.
• Match pot size to burner size when cooking to avoid wasted energy.
• Use smaller appliances when appropriate (e.g., toaster oven instead of full oven for small meals).
• Wash clothes in cold water (achieves similar results to warm water with energy savings).
• Turn off water heater when leaving town for extended periods.
• Unplug chargers once devices are fully charged (prevents energy waste and potential battery damage).

Resource: Trim is an app that negotiates better rates for cable, internet, and phone services and helps eliminate unwanted subscriptions.

52. Stock Investing Skill

Whether you’ve inherited funds or save regularly, investing your money to generate returns is a smart strategy. Learning stock investing is more accessible than many believe. If wealth building is something you want to learn more about, stock investing is a powerful tool.

You don’t need to be an expert trader to succeed in the stock market; frequent trading is often counterproductive.

While the ideal time to start investing was years ago, the next best time is today. It’s never too late to begin. Learn about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and trading basics, and then take the first step into investing.

Resources: Investing Masterclass | How Not To Suck At Investing: Understanding Stocks Part 1 and Part 2

53. Property Investing Skill

Property investing isn’t a quick path to riches, but real estate education provides a solid foundation for long-term wealth building. Real estate investing offers diverse opportunities, and a step-by-step guide to analyzing, investing, selling, and flipping properties can be highly beneficial. If long-term wealth is something you want to learn more about, property investing is a strategic avenue.

Bigger Pockets is a valuable resource, offering books, blog posts, and an active forum for real estate investors to share insights and learn from each other’s experiences.

Learning about real estate investing doesn’t require expensive courses. Identify your area of interest within real estate and start researching. Below are recommended property investment books, used as research before purchasing initial investment properties.

Resource: 16 Best Property Investment Books

54. Invest Money (the Easy way)

This is more of a financial hack than a skill. Acorns simplifies investing. It rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar, automatically investing the spare change. If passive investing is something you want to learn more about, Acorns offers a simple solution.

For example, a $4.50 coffee purchase becomes $5.00, with $0.50 automatically invested.

Making purchases with whole dollar amounts also simplifies money tracking. The accumulated spare change invested through Acorns can grow surprisingly quickly.

Health & Fitness Skills

Of all skills to learn, health and fitness knowledge should be a high priority. If well-being is something you want to learn more about, health and fitness skills are paramount.

Many prioritize business, money, and relationship skills for success and fulfillment.

However, neglecting health and fitness will have long-term consequences.

Health and fitness skills are essential for longevity and maintaining vitality as you age. They build a health reserve, ensuring you thrive in later years rather than experiencing physical decline.

These skills are potentially life-saving and deserve significant attention.

Let’s explore new skills in health and fitness.

55. Breathing/Deep Breathing Skill

Proper breathing techniques enhance happiness and health. Deep breathing is key to meditation and mindfulness, positively impacting body, health, and life quality. If stress reduction is something you want to learn more about, deep breathing is a fundamental skill.

Deep breathing can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, relax the mind, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.

During stressful times, deep breathing is particularly helpful for maintaining calm. Even a few minutes of conscious deep breathing can positively shift your mental state.

Oxygen is vital for bodily functions. Deep, satisfying breaths are essential. Inhaling deeply should feel good, like an internal embrace. Exhales should be calm and relaxed.

The benefits of deep breathing are immediate. Cultivate this skill, and effective breathing will become second nature. Consistent practice is key to improvement.

Resources: Relaxation Breathing Meditation | Breathing Relaxation: A Simple Easy Way to Reduce Stress

56. Swimming Skill

Swimming is a fantastic skill, combining recreation and survival utility. Swimming provides comprehensive health benefits, exercising nearly every muscle group. If physical fitness is something you want to learn more about, swimming is an excellent exercise.

Key benefits of learning to swim:

• Swimming is a full-body workout, engaging nearly all muscles.
• It’s a low-impact exercise, gentle on joints and muscles, unlike many aerobic exercises.
• Swimming and water exercises are ideal for rehabilitation after injuries from other sports or activities.

Basic swimming proficiency can be valuable in various situations. While extended ocean swimming for rescue might be an aspirational goal, swimming across a lake is a more realistic intermediate objective. Start with small, achievable goals.

Resource: Learn Swimming Fundamentals

57. Yoga

Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation, offering both physical and mental health advantages. It’s a popular complementary therapy, supported by evidence for its effectiveness. If holistic well-being is something you want to learn more about, yoga is a beneficial practice.

Beginner-level yoga instruction is often available at local gyms. For those who prefer a more private setting, video-based yoga classes are a great option.

Resource: Yoga Burn, a natural approach to weight loss and establishing a fun exercise routine.

Resource #2: Grokker offers diverse yoga classes (Read the review here).

58. Get Good Sleep

Sleep is a critical health factor often overlooked. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts both mind and body. Thinking becomes impaired, decision-making suffers, and stress and anxiety increase, leading to potential health issues. If sleep optimization is something you want to learn more about, prioritizing good sleep is crucial.

While occasional sleep loss is usually not critical, chronic sleep deprivation can have severe health consequences.

Poor sleep is a serious issue. This extensive sleep tips post covers various methods for improving sleep quality. If sleep problems persist despite these methods, consult a doctor to rule out sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

Sleep apnea involves interrupted breathing during sleep, leading to restless sleep and preventing deep, restorative sleep.

Resource #1: 17 Healthy Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

Resource #2: 28 Sleep Gadgets to Improve Your Sleep

59. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses aromatic plants and plant materials (often essential oils) to promote psychological and physical well-being. If natural healing is something you want to learn more about, aromatherapy is a holistic approach.

Aromatherapists are experts in blending, measuring, and applying essential oils to achieve specific therapeutic effects.

Aromatherapy primarily utilizes scent through essential oil diffusers, topical application, massage, and water immersion.

Learning aromatherapy includes using relaxing and fragrant oils for personal spa experiences and creating your own spa products.

Aromatherapy skills enable you to make:

• Homemade soap
• Spa-quality bath bombs
• Bath salts
• Body butter
• Essential oils
• Specialized essential oil blends
• Soothing creams
• Exfoliating body scrubs
• Moisturizing body lotions

And various other spa-quality aromatic products.

Resource: Handcrafter’s Companion (for making spa-quality products for personal use or profit).

60. Stay Hydrated

Hydration and sufficient water intake are fundamental to health and fitness, like quality sleep. Dehydration can have subtle but far-reaching negative effects. If basic health practices are something you want to learn more about, hydration is essential.

Water intake is a matter of personal responsibility. While water scarcity is a reality in many parts of the world, many take access to clean water for granted.

Proper hydration is indicated by clear and colorless urine. This often requires consuming around 64 ounces of water daily, but individual needs may vary based on activity level and climate.

Understand the signs and sensations of proper hydration. Strive for consistent hydration; it’s transformative to shift from chronic dehydration to optimal hydration.

Resource: The Ultimate Guide on How to Increase Daily Water Intake

61. Mental Health: Get Your Mind Right for Health

Good health encompasses more than physical aspects. Mental well-being is equally crucial. If holistic health is something you want to learn more about, mental health is integral.

Someone physically fit, eating well, and exercising may still face health challenges if they struggle with depression, anxiety, and stress.

While unrealistic to expect constant happiness, striving for positive mental health is essential.

This involves cultivating happiness, optimism, and positivity. Explore resources for positive thinking, happiness, and mental well-being.

Resource: 18 Best Books on Happiness

62. Mastering the Mind-Body Connection

A strong mind-body connection allows you to use your mind to positively influence physical responses, managing anxiety, reducing stress, and even alleviating physical ailments. If holistic healing is something you want to learn more about, the mind-body connection is fascinating.

Dr. John Sarno popularized the concept of the mind-body connection in his book Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection. Sarno, a back pain specialist, observed that stress often contributed to or exacerbated back pain in his patients, and mindfulness and meditation techniques were sometimes more effective than surgery.

This concept extends beyond back pain. While the precise mechanisms are debated, the potential for mental techniques to influence physical health is recognized. Mind-body connection is not a universal cure-all, but it can be valuable for certain health aspects, like back pain management.

63. Massage Therapy

Most people appreciate a good massage. Self-massage skills would undoubtedly enhance well-being. If relaxation and well-being are something you want to learn more about, massage therapy is beneficial.

Learning basic massage techniques won’t make you a professional therapist, but offering a good massage can be mutually beneficial.

Resource: Give A Great Chair Massage

Resource #2: Six Benefits of Using a Foam Roller

64. Efficient Walking

Walking is fundamental to fitness and health. While other exercises may be more intense, walking remains a valuable baseline activity. If basic fitness is something you want to learn more about, walking is accessible and effective.

Walking is a low-impact exercise engaging multiple muscle groups, easy to incorporate into routines, and conducive to multitasking (e.g., creative thinking).

Even marathon runners incorporate walking into their training routines. Walking is essential for maintaining fitness and can be easily integrated into existing exercise plans.

Resources: Learn Everything About the Walking Exercise Habit

How Many Calories in 10k Steps Learn how to calculate calorie expenditure during walking for weight loss.	Two Minute Walking Habit Incorporate two-minute walking breaks each hour to counter sedentary effects.
18 Walking Questions Answered Find answers to common questions about walking as an effective exercise form.	How Many Calories in 10k Steps Learn how to calculate calories burned while walking for weight management.
Benefits of Walking Increased daily walking offers significant short- and long-term health benefits.	Benefits of Walking Increasing daily walking provides substantial short- and long-term health advantages.

65. Eat Like You Respect Yourself

Most people eat based on hunger and taste preferences, not necessarily self-respect. If healthy eating habits are something you want to learn more about, self-respect is a motivating factor.

Does eating a second combo meal reflect self-respect?

Does a fourth soda contribute to self-worth?

Self-respect is a powerful motivator for healthy eating.

Resource: Healthy Eating Ultimate Guide

66. Understand Portion Sizes Without a Need to Measure

Portion control is key to healthy eating. Many underestimate or overestimate appropriate portion sizes. If mindful eating is something you want to learn more about, portion control is essential.

Oversized portions contribute to this problem. Plate sizes have increased significantly over time, and restaurant portions often exceed recommended servings.

Proper portion sizes (one serving):

• Cheese: Index finger size
• Apple: Closed fist size
• Dry cereal: Closed fist size
• Canned peaches: Fist size
• Milk: Fist size
• Salad: Two closed fists side-by-side
• Protein (meat, nuts, etc.): Deck of playing cards size
• Bread: Hand size
• Peanut butter: Thumb-sized spoonful
• Noodles, rice, oatmeal: Palm of hand size

These portion sizes may be smaller than you anticipate. Eating appropriate portions allows for enjoying any food in moderation.

Portion control plates can simplify healthy eating by visually guiding portion sizes.

Resource: Learn about Portion Control Plates to manage portion sizes effectively.

67. Relax Effectively

Skill development requires effort. Rest, recovery, and recuperation are essential. If stress management is something you want to learn more about, effective relaxation is crucial.

For many, relaxation seems simple: doing little or nothing. However, for driven individuals, effective relaxation can be challenging.

Quality rest is as valuable as productive work time. Prioritize breaks when needed to prevent burnout and maintain long-term productivity.

Resource: The Importance of Rest

68. Relieve Stress

Stress is often called the “silent killer” due to its subtle but cumulative damage. Recognizing and managing stress is vital for long-term health. If stress management is something you want to learn more about, proactive stress relief is essential.

Stress has significant health implications. If you experience chronic stress, reducing daily stressors or developing effective coping mechanisms is crucial, ideally both.

Resource: Dealing with Stress: 19 Proven Ways to Relieve Your Stress

69. Maintain Proper Posture

The human body is susceptible to imbalances under gravity. Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances, spinal issues, and tendon strain. Maintaining good posture reduces fatigue and strain on ligaments and muscles. If physical well-being is something you want to learn more about, posture is fundamental.

Learning good posture is the first step towards developing healthy postural habits that support spinal health.

Resource: Complete Stretching: 30+ Stretches For Flexibility & Posture

70. Fully Understand Nutrition

Nutrition is a cornerstone of health. “You are what you eat.” Diet significantly impacts health and longevity. If healthy living is something you want to learn more about, nutrition is paramount.

Understanding nutrition involves knowing what you consume and how your body processes food. This includes understanding weight loss diets, healthy eating principles, meal planning, macronutrients (fats, carbs, proteins), micronutrients, and basic immune system function.

Resource: Nutrition Made Easy

71. Experiment with a Paleo Diet

The paleo diet is not universally suitable. It’s one healthy eating option among others. If dietary exploration is something you want to learn more about, paleo is a worthwhile consideration.

The paleo diet, in essence, mimics the eating habits of hunter-gatherer ancestors. It typically includes meat, vegetables, fruits, roots, and nuts, while restricting processed foods, dairy, sugars, oils, salt, legumes, grains, coffee, and alcohol.

Resource: The Paleo Diet Walkthrough

72. Staying Fit as You Age

Maintaining fitness becomes more challenging with age. Past unhealthy habits can catch up with you. Genetics also play a role, potentially making fitness more difficult for some. If long-term health is something you want to learn more about, fitness as you age is crucial.

Staying fit as you age presents unique challenges and requires proactive effort.

Starting fitness habits early, in your 20s, makes maintaining fitness as you age easier. Delaying fitness efforts until later in life makes it more challenging.

Resource: Staying Fit as You Age

73. Stretch

Stretching is an often-overlooked aspect of a healthy lifestyle. In youth, when muscles feel flexible, stretching may seem unnecessary. If flexibility and injury prevention are something you want to learn more about, stretching is essential.

However, neglecting stretching leads to injuries, tears, sprains, and loss of flexibility over time. Starting stretching early and integrating it into your routine is important for long-term flexibility and posture.

Resource: Hyperbolic stretching training for men and for women.

74. Efficient and Safe Running

Running, along with walking, is a top-tier exercise for overall fitness. It tones muscles, manages weight, improves aerobic fitness, and provides time for creative thinking. If cardiovascular health is something you want to learn more about, running is highly effective.

However, running can lead to injuries. Learning proper running technique minimizes injuries and maximizes benefits. If you run, prioritize efficient and safe running practices.

Resources: The Easiest Running Approach – Couch to 21km & 11 Vision Board Ideas & Examples for Athletes

75. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is not a modern indulgence; it’s a long-standing aspect of health and well-being. If mental and emotional well-being are something you want to learn more about, self-care is essential.

Self-care has been integral to health for millennia (aromatherapy recipes date back to ancient Egypt). It significantly impacts health, particularly mental health.

Consistent self-care is important, but everyone needs dedicated time for rest, recovery, and rejuvenation.

Resource: 275 Self-Care Ideas and Activities

Communication Skills

Our list of skills continues with communication skills. If interpersonal effectiveness is something you want to learn more about, communication skills are crucial.

These skills are valuable in both business and personal life. Effective communication is essential for sharing thoughts, learning new information, and professional success.

Without strong communication skills, professional advancement and building meaningful relationships can be challenging.

76. Write Professional Emails

Professional communication is crucial in business and client interactions. Email professionalism matters. If professional communication is something you want to learn more about, email etiquette is fundamental.

Learning to write effective professional emails avoids embarrassment and enhances your professional image. Professional emails are a distinct form of writing, avoiding informal language and emoticons.

Email is a common form of professional communication that significantly impacts your reputation and career trajectory. Professional email writing is a valuable networking tool.

Resource: Writing Professional Emails and Memos

77. Write a Professional Resume

Your resume provides a concise overview of your qualifications to potential employers. If career advancement is something you want to learn more about, resume writing is essential.

A well-written resume is invaluable for securing better job opportunities.

In today’s fast-paced environment, resumes need to be concise and impactful to capture attention.

Learning professional resume writing is the first step to securing job interviews.

Unfortunately, many resumes are screened out due to common issues.

Common resume flaws:

• Insufficient information
• Irrelevant information
• Lack of focus on core strengths
• Poor formatting
• Difficult to read
• Irrelevant information for the specific job
• Fails to “sell” your skills and experience

Simple improvements in resume writing skills significantly increase the chances of your resume being reviewed by decision-makers.

Resource #1: Recruiter Reveals CV (Resume) Writing Formula

Resource #2: Resume Planet offers professional resume writing services.

78. Write with Pizazz

Most writing, especially in business contexts, can be dull. If engaging writing is something you want to learn more about, adding style and flair is crucial.

Adding personality and flair to your writing is significant. It’s essential for professional writers and beneficial for anyone whose work involves writing.

Whether writing for business, blogs, books, or essays, injecting style and pizazz makes your writing stand out.

Resource #1: The Writer’s Toolkit

Resource #2: James Patterson Teaches Writing

Resource #3: 6 SMART Goals Examples for Improving Your Writing Skills

79. Learn to Offer Value to Others

The foundation of success is offering something valuable that others want. You need to provide value and communicate its worth effectively. If social impact is something you want to learn more about, offering value is fundamental.

This is the essence of being sought-after. Understanding value creation allows you to focus on developing valuable aspects within yourself.

Resource: Give and You Will Receive

80. Be Personable

Being personable, relating to others individually, is invaluable. If interpersonal skills are something you want to learn more about, personability is key.

One of the greatest benefits of individuality is the ability to communicate uniquely and directly with others. Personability is about building meaningful connections.

Resource: The Conversational Power of History, Philosophy, and Metaphor (HPM)

81. Be Able to Keep Your Message Brief

Concise communication is essential for effective communication. If efficient communication is something you want to learn more about, brevity is crucial.

In business and life, time is valuable. When communicating with busy individuals, brevity is key. Be prepared to present your message succinctly while also having the depth of knowledge to elaborate as needed.

Elevator pitches exemplify concise communication. The message should be brief, delivered within the time of a short elevator ride.

Practice concise communication by summarizing your message in 10 words or less. This exercise develops succinctness. Adding detail back in creates effective elevator pitches.

Resource: How to Give an Elevator Pitch (with Examples)

82. How to Write an Effective Speech (from Page to Stage)

Speech writing differs from other writing forms. It combines information and entertainment, requiring a unique pacing. If public speaking is something you want to learn more about, speech writing is a foundational skill.

Speech writing is not a universally needed skill, but most people will give speeches at some point (business, weddings, events).

Honing speech writing skills is valuable personally and professionally.

Resources: How to Outline and Write Your First Speech | Intro to Public Speaking

83. How to Speak to an Audience

Writing a great speech is only half the battle. Effective speech delivery is equally important. If public speaking is something you want to learn more about, delivery is crucial.

Many can write compelling speeches but lack the delivery skills to present them effectively. Others can speak engagingly without a prepared script.

Practice is key to effective public speaking. Comfort in front of audiences develops through experience.

Preparation is crucial for public speaking success. Imagine delivering an incredible speech but undermining it with nervousness and poor delivery.

Resource: A Quiet Person’s Guide To Effective Public Speaking

84. Conversation Confidence Skill

Some are naturally confident conversationalists. For others, like myself, it requires effort and practice. If social ease is something you want to learn more about, conversation confidence is essential.

Conversation confidence is not always innate; it can be developed.

While naturally introverted and shy, podcast appearances and public speaking are possible through practice and willpower.

Improving conversation confidence involves intentionally engaging in conversations with strangers. Initial awkward moments will diminish with practice.

For a shortcut to building conversation confidence, explore the resource below.

Resource: Conversation Confidence

85. Learn to Network

Networking is a communication skill that isn’t always natural, especially for introverts. If professional connection is something you want to learn more about, networking is crucial.

Networking involves building connections and relationships for mutual benefit.

While not naturally inclined to networking, I recognize its immense value and actively work to improve this skill.

Your professional network is a powerful asset for career success. Personal networking has yielded valuable insights and opportunities.

While networking may feel unnatural, its long-term benefits are undeniable.

Resource: How to Connect with Others! (Networking Strategies that Work!)

Business Skills

Business skills are highly valuable. They enhance performance, lead to promotions, and improve overall job effectiveness. If career success is something you want to learn more about, business skills are paramount.

86. Question Conventional Wisdom

Questioning established norms is a valuable mindset in business and life. If innovative thinking is something you want to learn more about, challenging assumptions is key.

Conventional wisdom often dictates what’s considered possible or impossible. Past failures are often cited as reasons why certain approaches won’t work.

While learning from past experiences is valuable, it’s also important to critically examine conventional wisdom and challenge assumptions.

87. Develop Business Relationships

Developing strong business relationships is similar to networking but focused on the professional environment. If professional collaboration is something you want to learn more about, business relationships are crucial.

Business relationships encompass all workplace interactions, beyond networking events.

Essential business relationships:

• Find a mentor
• Mentor others
• Join a professional mastermind group
• Develop networking skills
• Understand your boss’s priorities
• Learn your boss’s job responsibilities

Networking skills are crucial for building strong business relationships.

Resource: The Daily Entrepreneur: 33 Success Habits for Small Business Owners, Freelancers and Aspiring 9-to-5 Escape Artists by S.J. Scott**

88. Mastering Organization

Organization enhances productivity and saves time. Business organization is as valuable as home organization. If workplace efficiency is something you want to learn more about, organization is essential.

Efficient office organization is crucial for quickly accessing files and paperwork.

The linked resource provides comprehensive office organization training, covering both physical and digital decluttering.

12 hours of training across 84 classes cover all aspects of business and office organization.

Resource: How to Organize Your Life and Work | 5-Day Organization Challenge

89. Planning: Plan Your Day, Week, Month, Quarter & Year

Effective planning is more impactful than simply working hard. If strategic execution is something you want to learn more about, planning is fundamental.

Good planning accounts for contingencies and setbacks. Plans can be concise yet comprehensive, providing clear instructions and timelines.

Plans should exist at various levels of detail (5-year, yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily). Well-structured plans facilitate task completion.

Resource: Master Planning: Plan Your Day, Week, Month, Quarter & Year

90. Managing Employees

Finding and retaining great employees is challenging. Effective employee management is crucial for business success. If leadership skills are something you want to learn more about, employee management is essential.

Hiring, managing, and sometimes firing employees significantly impacts business outcomes. Companies compete for top talent to achieve strategic goals.

This course explores hiring employees aligned with company strategy and managing employees for long-term retention and reduced turnover.

Resource: Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Employees

91. How to Hire and Manage VIRTUAL Teams

Remote work is increasingly common. Managing virtual teams effectively requires specific skills. If virtual leadership is something you want to learn more about, managing remote teams is crucial.

Remote work is enabled by internet and smartphone accessibility, reducing the need for traditional office spaces. However, managing remote employees requires specific strategies to maintain productivity and accountability without direct oversight.

Virtual Staff Finder is a recommended resource for hiring overseas virtual staff.

Resource: Virtual Staff Finder

92. Inbox Zero

Email overload is common. Maintaining inbox zero requires a system. If time management is something you want to learn more about, inbox zero is a valuable technique.

Effective email management is essential for productivity. Without a system, email can become overwhelming.

For Gmail users, the linked resource provides guidance on achieving inbox zero efficiently.

Resource: Gmail Zero Inbox

93. Business Skills Fundamentals

Business success requires foundational knowledge and understanding of best practices. If business acumen is something you want to learn more about, business fundamentals are essential.

Understanding business fundamentals and learning from successful companies is key to sustained success.

Resource: **Critical Business Skills for Success (Audiobook) by The Great Courses

94. Accounting and Bookkeeping Basics

Basic accounting and bookkeeping knowledge is valuable even if it’s not your primary role. If financial oversight is something you want to learn more about, accounting basics are essential.

Familiarity with accounting and bookkeeping enables you to review financial information and ensure accuracy.

For those in accounting or bookkeeping roles, basic knowledge is foundational.

Resource: Accounting: The Ultimate Guide to Accounting for Beginners – Learn the Basic Accounting Principles by Greg Shields

95. How to Influence Others

Influencing others is a fundamental leadership skill. If leadership effectiveness is something you want to learn more about, influence is crucial.

Without influence, leaders struggle to realize their vision because they lack the support and collaboration of others.

Effective leadership involves inspiring, persuading, and encouraging, not just commanding. Leaders tap into team knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.

Resource: **How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

96. How to Get the Most From What You Do

Maximizing your efforts requires vision and motivation. If personal fulfillment is something you want to learn more about, maximizing effort is key.

Getting the most from your endeavors starts with defining your goals. What do you want to achieve in life? Find internal motivation, enjoy the process, learn from mistakes, and seek guidance from successful individuals.

Resource: The Psychology of Performance: How to Be Your Best in Life (Audiobook) by The Great Courses

97. Art of Negotiating

Negotiation is pervasive in life and business. If persuasive communication is something you want to learn more about, negotiation skills are essential.

Everything is negotiable to some degree, from salary to business agreements. Negotiation is a fundamental aspect of society.

Improving negotiation skills is valuable, particularly in hiring, firing, and various business dealings.

Resource: Negotiation and Conflict Management

98. Stay Sharp

Maintaining skills requires consistent practice. If continuous improvement is something you want to learn more about, skill maintenance is crucial.

Skill atrophy occurs with disuse. Consistent engagement is essential for maintaining proficiency. Prioritize practice in areas you value to remain effective.

99. End Procrastination

Procrastination is a major impediment to business and personal success. If productivity enhancement is something you want to learn more about, overcoming procrastination is essential.

Procrastination hinders task completion. Addressing procrastination is crucial for achieving goals.

Explore the causes of procrastination and strategies for overcoming it.

For comprehensive procrastination solutions, explore the resource below.

Resource #1: How to Stop Procrastinating: A Simple Guide to Mastering Difficult Tasks and Breaking the Procrastination Habit by S.J. Scott

Resource #2: Seven Best TED Talks on Overcoming Procrastination

100. Goal-Setting Skills

Effective goal setting is crucial for achievement. If personal achievement is something you want to learn more about, goal setting is fundamental.

Goals should be challenging yet attainable. Goal setting involves planning, implementation, and consistent effort.

If unsure about goal types, creation, or adherence, investing in goal-setting skills is beneficial.

This resource is designed for life coaches but also provides valuable insights for personal goal achievement.

Resource: Master CONFIDENCE & GOAL SETTING from a World Record Holder

101. Essential Business Online TOOLS Skills

Proficiency in essential software tools is vital for many professions. If digital proficiency is something you want to learn more about, mastering business software is crucial.

Familiarity with industry-standard software is essential for many computer-based jobs.

Rather than a single comprehensive course, explore the tabbed entries below for training specific to your needs.

Resources: International Open Academy Courses

Excel Training

Covers tools, functions, beginner tips, intermediate formulas, and data export as charts.

Microsoft Word Training

Mastering Word, the world’s most widely used word processor, benefits anyone for resumes, reports, and various documents.

Microsoft Office Training

Introduces Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

PowerPoint training covers creating dynamic presentations with text, graphics, and video.

WordPress and Blog Building

Provides a comprehensive guide to starting, growing, and monetizing a blog.

In Closing…

These are 101 skills to enhance your life. Hopefully you have found something you want to learn more about on this list.

This list will likely expand in the future.

Imagine the transformative impact of developing even a few of these skills.

Adding just one or two skills from this list is a more valuable use of time than passive entertainment.

Commit to working on one skill from this list for the next month. Even 30 minutes of daily practice will significantly enrich your life in a short time. Consider a 30-day challenge to master a new skill.

For a resource to learn many of these skills, explore the thousands of courses available on this self-education platform.

Good luck on your learning journey!