You Can Learn Anything You Want

Daily writing prompt

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

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In my childhood years, I thought that certain things were just impossible for me. Like playing sports at a professional level (this one may still be true…), reading a book in a foreign language (besides the two languages that I already spoke) or even going to the University. My mind would hold me back and just remind me day-in-day-out that some things were just out of my reach. I often wonder why this was the case and how my thoughts were so limited at a young age. I think that my experiences in school can answer the biggest part of this question; the harsh critique, the rules and limits and sometimes just blunt discrimination put me back into my place of doubt almost on a daily basis. However, another part was my own fault. At that time, I was far away from discovering the truth about learning and abilities. Years later, in my twenties, I realized (through language learning actually) that I could learn (almost) anything. Obviously, being an athlete or a deep sea diver requires a little bit more than just pure knowledge. But everything that is composed of pure knowledge, can be learned! I would even argue, that creative subjects like drawing, painting, writing and playing music, can be learned (acquired or achieved would be a more fitting word) as well, but may need some more time and dedication.

It just comes down to time and ambition. The more time you spend with a subject, the more able you become in that particular field. I only discovered this after starting my language-learning journey; the journey of learning Japanese. Besides slowly learning a very difficult and amazing language, I was also researching learning techniques and other advice. And after a while, I started to apply these techniques to other aspects of my life. It is bizarre (and amazing) how much information is out there for free on the internet, just waiting for a person to come around and grab it. How many books you could find in these open libraries and just read, read and read. I would encourage anyone to do so.

This year, I will turn thirty and I am proud to say that I got a Master’s degree in Health Sciences and that I am currently working on my second degree in Philosophy. Happily, I spend most of my time reading and learning Japanese. I opened the prison in my mind and stopped limiting my ambitions and ideas. Even if it would take me a lifetime to become fluent in a specific language or subject, it still does not matter because now it does not feel like an impossible task.

I wish I had this knowledge earlier in life, and that the school system was more focused on flourishing the ambition of a child instead of hammering it down, which is more common unfortunately. It would have made me more confident for sure. Nonetheless, I have a strong belief in the concept that it is never too late to start learning and discovering.