February is for Learning
This absolutely seems like ages ago now BUT back at the end of December, my family and I took our first family ski trip. Not only was it our kids' first time on the slopes but it was only my second. EVER. The first was nearly 30 years ago. To say I was very nervous before my first lesson would be an understatement. The night before I didn't sleep very well. The morning of, I walked myself to the line for the teleski and put on my second ski at the absolute last moment (just to make sure I didn't roll back down the tiny incline and knock all the other skiers over). I then proceeded to get on the teleski (for the first time in my life) and told my legs to stop shaking the entire 8 minute journey up the mountain to my lessons. They did not listen to me.
Finally, I arrived at my lesson and was greeted by a very friendly ski instructor (who reminded me immediately of the actor Kim Bodnia who I loved in Killing Eve, The Bridge, and The Witcher) AND by 7 seven other adults who had very little skiing ability like myself. I was very quickly put at ease. And then just as quickly became very focused on now needing to learn: how to ski plow, how to put my skis on after falling, how to get on a chairlift, how to get OFF a chairlift, how to not lean forward, how to not turn the wrong way, how to turn one ski, how to "relax" (my least favourite directive given to me), and so many other things.
Brand New
I think this was the first time in a long time I truly had to learn something brand new. It was an eye-opening experience being a total novice at something again. It's been YEARS since I was a student and this was akin to that.
My biggest takeaway from a week on skis (aside from learning that I prefer slow, wide slopes) is that I need to make an effort to continually be learning – both for my business and for myself. Business-wise, I watch tutorials on YouTube to figure out how to use certain new tools in the Adobe Creative Suite. And I try to read up on design/branding news in a few publications. But I think there is more I could be doing – a UI/UX class has been on my "wishlist" for a couple of years. Also, finally learning how to use Notion properly. Maybe taking a modern colour theory class next year. And the most important life lesson I'd like to learn – how to make a croissant! I'm writing it here to put it out there (and maybe you'll ask me what I've done about it in a month or two – keep me accountable!)
What about you? Do you have plans to learn anything new this year? Does it relate to your business or just something you've always been interested in? Happy learning, whatever you do, friends!
