Learning something new

A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. –Chinese proverb

As children, we are trying new things all the time: Piano, ballet, scouts, baseball, hockey, art, you name it. But as adults, as time passes, it becomes increasingly more difficult to take on learning a new skill, to take that first step.

You’ve probably heard that it takes 10,000 repetitions to master a skill. This number can be intimidating if you are just starting out. If you’re already in the martial arts and it’s a lifestyle for you, 10,000 repetitions is just part of the journey. But what about starting something new? This idea of so many repetitions can be daunting.

In the beginning, you always feel stupid. You can’t do it and you know you suck at it. So the major barrier is fear. The barrier isn’t intellectual, it’s emotional. Nobody likes to feel stupid.

I admire those who are accomplished at one skill (take karate, for example) and decide to become beginners in another related, but different skill, like Modern Arnis. This takes courage. 

But what if you knew that it only takes 20 hours (number of repetitions depends on the task) to learn a new skill? You might be more inclined to take that first step. Josh Kaufman, a teacher who specializes in teaching practical skills, has discovered that 20 hours is the tipping point for learning a new skill. Now mastery, that’s a different kettle of fish. We’re back to 10,000 repetitions. Obviously learning something and mastering it are two different orders of magnitude. It's the doing that is important. If you love it enough, you will stick with it and develop mastery. If you don't, move on to something else. It's the journey that counts.

Decide what you want to learn and start now. What’s your thing? Go out and do that thing. It only takes 20 hours. And have fun!

Life ain’t easy; train anyway.