I like to know everything, and I only like to do things that I’m good at. Maybe this is because I’m an Enneagram 5, or maybe it’s because everyone’s this way at least a little bit. Either way, trying to learn about something that scares you can be kind of tough. This is especially so when we have emotions, our personal identity, and other complications wrapped up in a topic. But being scared isn’t a state we need to live in forever, especially in the internet age. Here are a few ways you can dip your toes in the water and slowly start to learn about something that scares you.
Start with exposure
Familiarity breeds feelings of friendliness. This is true of people, and I think it’s true of topics too. The more often I’m exposed to a person, the more likely I am to become friends with them. The more often I’m exposed to a subject, the more friendly I feel toward it. There are several different ways to start slowly exposing yourself to new ideas. Pick one (or several) that you know will work for you and start there. You don’t have to actually do the thing that scares you, just start slowly and gently learning about it. I started reading recipes on blogs long before I started trying them. But by the time I made it to the kitchen, I felt a lot more confident about trying out some recipes.
Follow hashtags
This is perhaps the easiest way to start, as it’s very low commitment. You can either do a one-time search of a hashtag, or you can choose to follow them on Instagram. If reading is something you want to do more of, you don’t necessarily have to cancel your weekend plans and go to the library and pick out a ton of books. Just follow the hashtag #amreading on instagram and see what’s out there. Maybe something will catch your interest.
Follow blogs
This starts with another google search (but let’s be honest, all the best things do). Search for “Top Personal Finance Blogs” or something of the like. There are more blogs geared for beginners than experts. Pick one or two that looks interesting and sign up for their emails. If you can’t find what you’re looking for right away, leave a comment. I’m sure they would be thrilled to help you learn about whatever their subject is. After all, that’s why they blog. When I decided to learn more about personal finance, blogs are the first place I looked. It’s only small chunks of information at a time, but after a while they add up. It wasn’t long before I found myself talking and thinking more intelligently about money.
Listen to podcasts
Again, start with a google search. Podcasts are great for multi-tasking. I commute an hour each day, which means I can get in an extra hour of learning about something through podcasts. There are tons of podcasts out there, so if you’re not feeling a certain one, don’t give up on the subject. Just find a different podcast. Sometimes there are certain podcasts I love but specific episodes that stress me out. I’m learning I don’t have to be a finisher. I can just skip to the next one, and that’s fine.
Best bonus in listening to a podcast? You learn how to pronounce things correctly. This is especially true of topics that include a lot of foreign words, like cooking. If all you do is read about cooking, it’s easy to mess up many of those words.
Join a Facebook group
I think this step has been huge for me. One of the things I like about this is that I can see the questions that other people ask that I hadn’t even thought of. Not only that, but it’s a way to get input from multiple people about the specific questions that I have, and often in real time. If there are a lot of people in the group, I can get answers almost immediately. I only recently started joining Facebook groups to learn about different topics and it’s been really helpful. A lot of bloggers have groups about their topic, but you can also search within Facebook itself for a topic that you’re interested in, like “Instant Pot,” or “Whole30.”
Read a book
Books are my favorite way of learning about a topic, but not everyone is a book person. That’s totally fine. If books are your jam though, start out with a simple google or amazon search, such as “Top Books on Business.” That will surely lead you to some good results within a few clicks.
Join a group
No, not a Facebook group. A real, in-person kind of group. Admittedly, I don’t know much about this one, though I know it’s possible. I’m the type of person (INTP/Enneagram 5/HSP) who would prefer to learn from a distance before I jump in, but I know that there are many of you who would much rather just jump in. Maybe you’re the type of person who learns best by being hands on. That’s great! I’m envious of you. If so, I’d start with googling your city and your topic. Look for meet-ups. Ask a friend if they know of anything. A lot of times if you start putting your interest out there, the opportunities will come to you.
Take a class
There are lots of different ways to do this. You could take a class at your local community college. Groupon has a lot of classes, so browse through there. If you’re wanting to learn about crafting, like sewing or calligraphy, check your local craft store. Classes are a great option because they’re setup in a logical fashion and meant to give you everything you need to know to get started. There’s also an expert right there to answer your questions and help you stay on the right track.
Find a Trail Guide
Know someone who is great at the subject you’re wanting to learn about? Ask them for help! If it’s a passion of theirs, or at the very least a skill or set of knowledge they’ve found worth investing in, then they’d probably be happy to help you. Let them be your Yoda. Perhaps you don’t know a master. That’s okay. Find someone who is at least a further bit down the path than you and ask them how they got started.
My Yoda in politics is my husband (but shhh, don’t tell him. It’ll go to his head). He actually has the degree, so he’s the perfect person to teach me more about a subject I know very little in. He also happens to be my motivation for learning about politics, for shared interests and stuff, but that’s neither here nor there. He’s more than happy to oblige in answering my questions, but sometimes I have to ask him to give me the lessons in smaller chunks. He has a lot to say.
Be gentle with yourself
You don’t have to be an expert by the end of the month, or even by the end of the year. Take it at a pace that feels good for you. For me, progress on certain topics has been really, really slow. This is particularly true when it comes to habit formation and healthy routines. But when I look back to where I was 5 years ago, I can see that I’ve grown by leaps and bounds, even though it doesn’t feel like it. If you haven’t arrived yet, that’s okay. It’s okay to be bad at something. The important thing is to keep showing up.
I’m currently dipping my toe in the waters of all-natural products, politics, and blogging. It’s been a slow start, but 5 years from now I’ll know a lot more. Leave a comment and let me know what topics you’re wanting to learn more about!
