How to improve or learn new skills? Use these tips

When it comes to learning a new skill, it can often feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to tackle something complex like a video game character. But by breaking down your goal into smaller, manageable tasks, and taking steps to stay motivated and track your progress, you can make steady progress and achieve your goals. Here are some tips for improving any skill, using my own experience with learning a new character in the game Guilty Gear Strive as an example.

Start with a Specific, Measurable Goal

The first step in improving any skill is to set a specific and measurable goal. Rather than simply saying that you want to “get better” at something, set a goal that you can track your progress against. This will help you see how far you’ve come and stay motivated.

For example, when I started learning a new character in Guilty Gear Strive, I set a goal to be able to input more complicated sequences with my weaker fingers in order to perform a specific combo and dish out more damage. Your goal doesn’t have to be as complex, but it should be something that you can measure, like being able to squat 80 kg, or run 10 km without stopping.

Break Down Your Goal into Sub-Goals

Once you have your goal, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you focus on specific areas where you need to improve, and make progress towards your ultimate goal. For example, if your goal is to run 10 km, you might start by increasing your running distance or duration by a certain amount each week.

In my case, I broke down my goal of learning a new combo in Guilty Gear Strive into smaller tasks, such as practising specific sequences for 15-30 minutes whenever I had free time. This allowed me to focus on improving specific areas and make steady progress.

Create a Schedule and Track Your Progress

For more complex skills, it can be helpful to create a schedule and stick to it. This will help you stay focused and make consistent progress. As you practice, keep track of your progress and make note of any areas that need improvement.

Remember, practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent. If you’re repeating incorrect movements, you’ll internalize those mistakes and make it harder to correct them later on. So always take the time to check your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Stay Motivated when learning a new skill

Motivation can be a challenge when working towards a long-term goal, especially if the progress itself doesn’t feel rewarding. To stay motivated, consider treating yourself to something after each sub-goal you achieve. Make sure the reward is something that won’t set you back, like a healthy snack or a new piece of workout gear. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your ultimate goal.

Reach Out for Help

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Whether it’s asking a more experienced friend for feedback, watching YouTube videos, or reading articles and podcasts, there are many resources available to help you improve your skills. Just make sure you’re getting your information from a trusted source and seek out feedback that will help you improve.

In conclusion, learning a new skill can be challenging, but by breaking down your goal into manageable tasks, tracking your progress, staying motivated, and seeking out help when you need it, you can make steady progress and achieve your goals. Whether you’re learning a new character in a video game, improving your fitness, or mastering a new language, these tips can help you get there.