In a typical day, how many times have you found yourself thinking, “I wish I could do that?”
Once, or twice, or maybe a couple of hundred times… learning something new is easier than ever before. But how? Let me ask you another question: how many times per day do you use Google? Hah, probably more than you want to admit. My recent searches include, how to sew a button back onto a shirt and how to oven bake a chicken. Needless to say, I have a lot to learn.
The Internet is a privilege we have that other generations before us only dreamed of. It is an endless source of knowledge. We use Google and other search engines for the obvious: research paper citations, buying concert tickets, and streaming Justin Bieber music videos, but maybe you’re not tapping into its full potential.
Yeah, yeah its summer, school is out and your brain has turned to mush. Thankfully, you don’t have to read an article on Hamlet, unless you’re interested in pursing Shakespearian theater or a career in comedy… hey, that’s not a bad idea. A simple search can open up a world of opportunities and adventure for you.
Think of something you’ve always wanted to learn. Want to become a master? Google it. We asked college women about hobbies and knowledge they picked up online. The responses were creative and left us with serious FOMO:
YouTube Taught Us:
- Professional Make-Up techniques
- How to change broken head/tail lights
- How to needle felt/arm knit
- How to play the ukulele
- Hula hoop tricks complete with strobe lights
Google Taught Us:
- Nutrition for improving our skin
- How to kayak…and how to recover from tipping over
- Where to find the best donuts in the world
- That national news is worth reading
- Answers to our embarrassing female questions
Surfing the Net Taught Us:
- That we can start our own businesses from our dorm room
- Building our own websites isn’t rocket science
- How to cook and discover new recipes
- House décor and design isn’t just for professionals
- How to get gum out of hair while babysitting
- That politics aren’t as boring this year…
There is no reason to ever stop learning or to ever cap your abilities on what you know right now. There is a feeling of pride and confidence in being able to teach yourself a new skill, one that you can’t find in a classroom. These new interests or hobbies have the potential to transfer into publishing your first novel, opening your dream bakery, or running your first marathon.
You’re on the breach of a calling, talent, or epiphany.
If you want to know more, let your mind wander. Your knowledge of jumping a car battery or endless facts about sustainable ecosystems not only stimulates your curiosity, but also releases your creativity.
There are over 3.5 billion Google searches per day. So, contribute to that number and make your search inspiring. The more you know, the more you can pass along. Who knows, someone might be taking lessons from you someday!
