From learning Mandarin to photography: how a short course can be life-changing
By Evelyn Lewin
When Lin Chen was an office worker in her 20s, each workday seemed to bleed into the next. So, to escape the daily grind and inject extra oomph into her life, she decided to do a short course in drama.
Mastering new skills in a casual environment takes the pressure off having to excel in a new activity as it puts us in a “low-stakes learning gear”.
Being a “creative soul” working in a “rather regimented” environment, she thrived on how good it felt to let loose in the drama program. “That sense of freedom and expression was amazing,” she says.
That short course kick-started a life of learning for the now 41-year-old medical marketing director.
Over the years, Chen has completed short courses on many things, from Italian and Mandarin for beginners through to photography, cake baking and public speaking. She even did a two-day course learning to ride a motorbike (“I got a licence out of that,” Chen notes).
Sometimes she simply wants to know more about a topic or to gain certain skills – that’s what spurred her on to do a one-day course on kintsugi (the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold). At others, she chooses a course that aligns with a mood she’s trying to cultivate.
Regardless of the course she is enrolled in, Chen loves immersing herself in learning. When mastering a new skill, she gets a “euphoric burst of dopamine”.
Doing a short course can certainly add some much-needed joie de vivre to our everyday lives, says psychologist Jocelyn Brewer. Mastering new skills in a casual environment also takes the pressure off having to excel in a new activity as it puts us in a “low-stakes learning gear”. And, in short courses, we don’t have to commit a huge chunk of time to the endeavour, either.
As Chen discovered, we’re also likely to feel invigorated by the experience. Brewer says learning new skills can expand our sense of self and challenge our thinking, helping us clear out the “mental cobwebs” that accumulate when we’re stuck in the daily grind.
Meeting like-minded people can also be a great opportunity to strike up new friendships, Brewer adds. Chen can attest to that, saying she’s met some “amazing” people through the courses she’s done.
Itching to brush up on your French or to learn flamenco, but reluctant to enrol in a course? Brewer says it’s normal to have some hesitation about trying something new. To overcome such nerves, she advises “choosing something small and low stakes to kick off”. Enlisting a friend to come along can also help alleviate your jitters.
You don’t even have to venture outdoors to get started – an online course done from the comfort of your own home can be a less intimidating way to launch your learning.
There’s no need to break the bank, either. Brewer says that if you hunt around, you’re bound to find loads of free courses. YouTube tutorials can also help you understand more about a topic before committing to further learning.
Chen has no problems committing to courses. She’s currently having weekly lessons in Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art, and loves the confidence she’s gained. She’s not sure what’s on the cards next but is excited to follow her interests when inspiration strikes.
Not only does Chen love gaining new skills, she thrives on stepping outside her usual routine. “It’s all about giving me an escape,” she says. “It’s like a holiday, really.”
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