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At the beginning of the year, we often ask ourselves pertinent questions such as, did I achieve all that I needed to do last year, and what is it that I can do to be a better version of myself?
This is when we go on fact-finding missions for classes we can enrol in, to either improve our skills with a view to increasing our value to be paid more, or simply to go on an exciting journey of learning to hone our life skills.
READ: The benefits of finding the time to upskill yourself outweigh the challenges
The World Health Organization defines life skills as “abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life”.
We also want to have more fun and increase our networks and circles, but any new skills we learn help us lead a more meaningful life. For 2024, forget the tired music, dance, language and sport lessons, and expand your horizons by acquiring these skills.
SHARPEN YOUR EQ
Thanks to the Covid-19 lockdown era that fast-tracked our digital adoption, from online shopping to learning virtually, there is a myriad of online courses that one can take to understand the human condition better.
READ: Winning Women | Empathy and medicine interlink
We are all born beautifully flawed and perfectly imperfect, and it often takes some learnings to understand how to have more empathy and how to manage different emotional personalities to get on well with people.
Look for reputable companies that offer online training on sharpening and improving your EQ, either through one-to-one coaching and group virtual classes or both, and you will thank yourself for undertaking this journey.
This is important to prioritise as a life skill, so that we can be a gift to others. A company such as Aephoria has incredible programmes for corporates and individuals to reach their full potential and achieve a better understanding of those around them.
SHOW ME THE CODE
Are you going to let the digital skills train pass you by as you wait chatting on the platform? These highly sought-after skills can help chart a path for you to take on a side hustle.
This is important in this economic era when seven streams of income are necessary to beat inflation blues. How about learning to code?
With coding skills, you will learn to use creative ways to tell stories differently with games and animation, and you can sell these. Coding teaches you not to be scared of failure; students learn to collaborate to solve problems. Understanding coding means your skills can be used in many jobs of the future that require technical skills.
It also improves mathematical literacy and understanding of concepts, and there are many free online courses that teach basic coding. You will have to invest some capital, however, to gain a recognised certificate.
BE A YOGA TEACHER
Why not learn to be a yoga teacher and not only improve your own wellness with the practice but make money teaching your tribe how to achieve life balance through meditation and yoga.
Teaching yoga gives you a sense of purpose by contributing to the wellbeing of your fellow humans by helping them with their physical, mental and spiritual health.
READ: Runners should sprint to yoga class
This skill will not only improve your health, but also get you in touch with nature and increase your mindfulness.
TAKE A CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
Someone once said there was a book struggling to get out of all of us. Life’s rich tapestries and experiences are always uniquely told through the lens of those who have experienced them.
READ: Struggles that are beyond boots and bullets
If you have always been curious about whether there is a writer in you or, due to the everyday hamster wheel that keeps us busy, you have been procrastinating about writing that book, join a creative writing course that demands a chapter or a book from you at the end of the process. The rigorousness of the course will not only take you through the creative process of writing, but help you meet your goal to publish.
PLANT YOUR OWN PATCH AND SAVE
Ever noticed how the food basket keeps on shrinking with more essential produce like fruits and vegetables harder to afford throughout the month? It has become depressing going down to your local fruit and vegetable shop when only a few items costs hundreds of rands.
For those who have a little space in their yards, the time is now to learn how to plant some seasonal vegetables that will be healthy for your family and reduce your grocery bill significantly.
A top tip is that, while making friends with other aspiring small patch farmers in class, do note that your colleagues are your future collaborators. Each one of you can plant certain seasonal crops and swap produce for everyone to have a full table.
READ: Future of food: How technology is helping SA farmers
And this is not a skill only you can benefit from, as you can sell some produce and contribute to our food security. Siyabonga Africa has a range of practical courses like this, which you can try.
TIME TO LEAVE THE POOL
If you have been stuck in your pool for the past decade and were always the one who only dipped their toes in the sea during holidays, it is about time you challenged yourself to learn how to swim in the ocean.
To become an open water swimmer and transition from the pool, you need to choose an instructor you can trust.
READ: Photos | The holiday season through the lens
For inlanders this may require more planning of taking time off to learn this skill as you would need to go and practise your new-found freedom in the sea. Swimming in open waters is a critical survival skill to have.
