For better or for worse, we are undoubtedly living in a digital era, where things are only set to become more automated and algorithm-driven in the foreseeable future.
Keeping this in mind, it’s not surprising that there is such a boom in interest, with regards to the development of various digital skill sets, ranging from web design to learning various coding languages.
Of course, like any other skill set, becoming adept at digital skill sets will require particular approaches and attitudes. So, here are a few tips for becoming adept at digital skill sets.
- Cultivate the art of relaxed focus, and tailor your working environment to support that
The kinds of skills that you need to develop in order to deftly navigate digital space will tend to be particularly abstract, and will generally require a high degree of focus in order to really come to terms with.
It’s probably no coincidence that the writer Cal Newport, who so eloquently argued the benefits of laser-point focus in his book “Deep Work,” is also a computer scientist.
In order to hone your digital skills, cultivate the art of relaxed focus, and tailor your working environment to support it. Among other things, that might mean installing LEpro LED strips for proper illumination, keeping things de-cluttered, and blocking out second-hand distractions that could break your concentration.
At the same time, you need to be able to “relax into” the task at hand, instead of being too worked up.
2. Be very mindful of avoiding web-based distractions
It’s exceptionally common that people will sit down in front of their computers with all sorts of lofty ambitions for the productive things they will do, only to then, shortly afterwards, veer off into the world of web-based distractions, and find the minutes and even hours slipping by.
Suffice to say, you won’t be likely to make any significant headway on any particular project, if you are checking up on your social media profiles, or searching up interesting facts, every 10 or 20 minutes.
So, consider installing web blockers, and doing what you can to reduce distractions in a more general sense.
3. Work systematically on one skill set at a time, and take advantage of structured training courses
With so many different skill sets to develop, you might be tempted to fall into the trap of jumping back and forth between things in a broadly unfocused sort of way.
In fact, though, it’s very important that you work systematically instead, and focus on one skill set at a time.
By the same token, it’s a great idea to take advantage of the various structured training courses that exist out there, which can help you to learn coding languages, or to come to terms with a particular technical perspective, in a way that allows you to approach things at your own pace without becoming overwhelmed.
Certainly, you could try to teach yourself without any particular overarching structure or system – but, in most cases, this is only likely to mean that you use your time inefficiently and don’t make the kind of progress you could.
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