This is a post from a member of the Freelancers Union community. If you’re interested in sharing your expertise, your story, or some advice you think will help a fellow freelancer out, feel free to send your blog post to us here.

I always wanted to learn photoshop.... Maybe THIS summer.” Or…. maybe not.

It’s a shame how quickly we dismiss our heartfelt dreams and relegate them to the “someday” bucket list. Why is that?

We have many reasonable-sounding excuses. Work is hectic, there’s never enough time, the kids, the spouse, etc. Reasonable, sure. But not true.

In the life coaching methodology I teach and practice at Handel Group®, we call this inner voice the "chicken," and boy does it keep us playing small.

Instead of branching out and learning a new skill, a hobby, or anything fun and out of the ordinary, we choose the ones that are safe and familiar – movies, dinner, happy hour.

Then we wonder why we feel bored and stagnant in our lives!

This summer, lose the excuses and set your sights on something more fun and fulfilling.

A commitment to learning is a commitment to your own brave evolution and improvement.

Summer is the perfect time to give yourself the gift of a new hobby, skill or activity that you’ve always been curious about. The possibilities are endless!

Consider gourmet cooking, speaking a foreign language, guitar, singing, painting, sculpting, photography, making films, writing stories, running, surfing, tennis, biking, golf, swimming, learning yoga, scuba diving certification, fishing, sailing, juggling, swing dancing, learn to Dj with real records, become a drink mixologist, water ski, make jewelry.

Surprise yourself! Impress yourself. Don’t wait until the summer is over to accept this awesome challenge.

Join the Union (it's free!)

Become a member

Steps to Learning Something New

1. Brainstorm

Write down all the activities, skills or abilities you wished you had time to do or you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t. Rate them in order of importance.

2. Choose your activity

Really look at your list and decide what you want to make happen this summer. What would make you happy and proud?

This is supposed to be fun and fulfilling for you. If you feel like it's work, you will resent it.

3. Answer “why are you not doing it?”

It's something you would love to do and it would make you happy, but for some reason it's last on your priority list.

What is holding you back from learning this new skill or doing this activity? Time? Money? Fear?

Face why you're not doing it and remember, it’s just an excuse.

4. Make a plan

Find time in your schedule to fit in your new activity every week. Start today.

Make promises to do your activity. Implement consequences if you don't do your promises.

If you don’t enjoy your activity, you are allowed to change it! This is not school. This is about learning how to do something you love.

5. Declare an end result

What do you want to accomplish by the end of the summer with your new activity or skill?

For example, if you are learning how to cook, plan a big Labor Day dinner party with close friends, where you cook the entire meal.

The possibilities are endless! Get to it!

If you could use career support, goal management, or effective help in any area of your life, schedule a Free 30 Minute Coaching Session. Get a feel for the Handel Method® and walk away with clear insights and an actionable plan to move in the direction of your dreams! Sign up here for our next free talk, Creating a Career Game Plan.

Handel Group® is an international corporate consulting and private coaching company. With over 20 years of experience and a client list which includes hundreds of individuals, groups, entrepreneurs, couples, families, and executives at Vogue, BASF, Sony BMG, NYU Medical Center, and The New York Times Company, Handel Group specializes in bringing dreams to fruition through focused and powerful action in any area of life, personal or professional.