I want to learn a new skill, anybody with advice?

Question

I've got a lot of spare time on my hands, but not a lot of money at all.

In fact no money atm. Yet I want to learn a new skill. I have always felt very untalented. I'm not a great cook, I cant play an instrument, I can't dance, I cant sing, I've never been to gymnastics/horseriding or any of those kinds of lessons. I used to do ballet/tap when i was VERY little but that was only for a couple of weeks, then my parents could not afford it- so really i didnt have any hobbies. I cant skate on a skateboard, I cant do extreme sports- in fact i cannot do any sports, Im utterly hopeless at it. I don't really think I do anything well. I got an A in art at gcse level- but i think my art needs improving- i am hopeless at drawing people (real life) and I dont think my drawings are outstanding- or even that they stand out very much. I like to write also and got two A's in gcse english. I've always been a big reader, and I like to write stuff. Yet i cant complete my novels, and i feel that they lack originality and flair- and ive been knocked back by publishers many times.

I really want to learn a new skill that I WILL be good at. Not just average, but amazing. I know people will always be better, but I want something that i can excell and stand out in, and people will be like- wow shes really amazing at that. I want something that i can do that wont cost me tonnes of money, and something that I really can excel in. But im stuck for ideas. I really cant improve on stuff i already know, because ive tried, and dont seem to know how i can push myself. Could anybody give me some ideas as to what I could do?? Something that isnt going to cost much(preferably nothing) so links and advice would be so helpful. Thank you.

Answer 1

Your best shot at success will involve something that (a) you LOVE doing (b) you already have some talent for.

Based on what you've written here, that would be visual art.

You can probably pursue sketching for little investment.  To get started, go to a library and ask the librarian to help you choose an introductory book on sketching.  Now, the super-serious sketch artist will have a set of professional pencils and different types of art paper and nice easels etc.--but in your case you can get started well with a pad of newsprint, a regular #2 pencil, and any hard surface.  After a year or so of doing basic exercises and doodling and creating some works that you think are pathetic, you'll start to notice your skills increasing (especially if you keep everything you drew during that year and compare first to last).  Then you can start thinking about saving up money for better pencils and papers and maybe an easel or lap board if you choose--if you shop intelligently, it still won't cost that much.

Another alternative--one that won't cost you anything, since you have access to a computer--creative writing.  But don't fall into the trap of thinking that you just start writing and it all comes out; again, go to the library and get 'how-to' books.  I'll note that professional writers, especially poets and fiction-authors, almost all rely on a network of other creative writers who review one anothers' work and share constructive criticism and moral support--so that's a resource you'll want to develop by tracking down writers' clubs in your area.

Answer 2

try contortionism