8 ways to Develop Persistence and Enjoy Learning a New Skill
Written by Puja Kanth
Many a times we start learning a new skill with a lot of gusto but don’t pursue it because we lose interest mid-way and all the enthusiasm wanes. In this article, I will discuss a few tips on how to make the process of acquiring new skills enjoyable and easy with EFT.
Why do we lose interest?
Our brains see anything ‘new’ as difficult and cumbersome and try to avoid it. So the tendency is to avoid any pain/discomfort and obviously lose out on any gain as well! Our brains get bored pretty easily and something that was once inspiring becomes boring when done routinely. Keeping it interesting enough is a challenge in itself.
So the key is to outwit your own brain 🙂
Here are some ways of pursuing your interest without losing interest!
1. Familiarity – The class you go to, maybe the music class or the arts class, do you know the people in it? It helps knowing them because being in a familiar and comfortable zone makes your brain feel more relaxed, secure and safe; and if it’s safe, your brain will not be hyper vigilant. Imagine if you disliked the people in your class or were ambivalent – how long would you persist in continuing the class? Not long, in my opinion! EFT can help tremendously here to release any anxiety and hesitation in meeting people.
Example: Even though I am hesitant to go to this class because I don’t know the people there, I choose to become comfortable with the people in this new class.
2. Making it Fun – Your brain gets bored by routine. Make it fun. For example, in the Krav Maga (self-defense) classes I go to, we have games that improve reflexes and are enjoyable as well.
Tap on:
Even though this class is no fun, I want to find ways to make it more fun.
3. Deconstructing Limiting Beliefs – What are your beliefs about the skill that you are learning? Do you think you can learn it effectively? I joined Krav Maga around 1 and a 1/2 years back and did it for a few months, and couldn’t continue, then started it again and have been persistent since then. When I re-started the classes, my belief was (which has been a subconscious limiting belief all along) “Will it be possible for me to really learn this?” I logically knew that it requires technique and strength that can be built gradually over time – but did my emotional brain understand this? No it didn’t. So I worked on the blocks, deconstructed the beliefs about my stamina with EFT and have felt much more at ease about learning Krav Maga.
Look for the beliefs that need an overhaul – we grow up with so many conflicting messages about ourselves that we don’t know which beliefs are our own and which ones are dumped on us. Use EFT to release the hindering beliefs.
Examples:
Even though I believe that it is difficult to acquire strength …
Even though I believe that I am not going to be able to learn this….
4. Comfort Seeking – Our brains are always looking to avoid pain and seek comfort. So make it easier for your brain – give it comfort while learning a new skill, otherwise your brain will undoubtedly associate this discomfort with the skill you are learning and will bring it up every time you think of the class! For example – find comfortable transportation to get to your class. Tapping on the discomfort will really help.
Example:
Even though it seems my brain has associated some discomfort with this skill, I accept myself.
5. Wading through the Thoughts and Feelings – When we face something challenging about the task, we usually get anxious. For example – You are learning music, getting all the notes right, and then you find one raga very difficult and get agitated about it.
Work on these thoughts and feelings with EFT.
Example: Even though I am frustrated that I am not able to get this note right, I accept myself.
6. Discussing your Strengths and Limitations –
If you are struggling with anxiety and feeling self-conscious about discussing your strengths and limitations, about the new skill, with your instructor – tap! It will make the learning process less intimidating.
Example: Even though I’m anxious about speaking to my instructor, I accept myself.
7. Not Getting Dragged down by Feedback and Constructive Criticism – The skill that you learn is just one aspect of your ‘Self’; it’s not your total self. The criticism is also for just that ‘specific’ area of the skill you are learning, not for your total self or the entire skill. Keeping these two separate is tough but achievable.
Example: Even though I feel bad about the feedback I received, I accept all my feelings.
8. Working on Anxiety and being kind to yourself – If you feel anxious about joining a new class, tap on it before you go for the class. It is natural for some anxiety to come up; instead of suppressing it, accept it and tap.
Be kind to yourself while learning a new skill. If you are self-critical all the
time, you can’t acquire any skill.
Example: Even though I am being unkind to myself, I choose to be kind to myself while learning this skill.
