In a world where you have the freedom to pursue whatever you want (as discussed in a past edition), deciding which skills and knowledge to focus on can feel overwhelming. With only so much time in a lifetime and countless possibilities—becoming an engineer, pursuing acting, mastering a musical instrument, or diving into a niche hobby—how do you decide what’s worth dedicating time to learn?
I believe anyone can learn anything if they’re willing to put in the time and effort. Sure, some people have a natural affinity for certain skills, while others might struggle initially. But with enough dedication and practice, anyone can acquire new skills. The only way to discover your strengths is to try. And in the process, you’ll likely uncover talents and interests you never knew you had.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to optimize your life—focusing solely on learning what seems most practical or beneficial for your career. But life isn’t a simple equation where every variable can be optimized. Happiness, in particular, is elusive and often found in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, the skills that seem the least “useful” bring the most joy. While they might not contribute directly to your career or financial success, they enrich your life in ways that money can’t. It’s hard to determine what’s more “valuable” because happiness doesn’t have a clear monetary value.
This idea ties back to a previous newsletter where I discussed saving versus spending. In a way, learning new skills is the “product” of how you allocate your time. You could spend your younger years building up practical career skills, or you might choose to learn a new hobby that you enjoy. Deciding the “best” way to allocate your time isn’t easy and varies for everyone.
I don’t think people should stress over whether learning a skill is the best use of their time. Instead, focus on doing things you enjoy or things that help you get closer to your goals. If you want to get promoted, you’ll likely need to dedicate time to learning skills related to your career. Similarly, if you’re trying to exercise more often, maybe you pick up a new sport.
So, how do you decide what’s worth dedicating time to? I think it comes down to reflecting on your goals and spending time on things that will bring you closer to them. But also be flexible—your goals and interests can evolve over time. I believe this applies to most things: it’s important to think about the future, but not to the point where you’re stressing over every decision. Let me know what you think by reaching out on social media, email ([email protected]) or using this anonymous form!