Some abilities take years to master, but others can be picked up in just a few hours and still prove useful for the rest of your life.
So, Reddit user Michaelis999 asked people to share which ones made the biggest difference for them, and the answers range from practical know-how, like basic household repairs, to social abilities such as active listening.
It’s better to have a skill and not need it than to need it and not have it.
#1
Learning where your water main shutoff valve is for your house.
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44points
#2
Learning how to sew on a button, and basic mending stitches.
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38points
#3
Learning the shortcuts for software you use daily. I basically force the juniors to start using shortcuts it always pays off in the end (software engineer). But this goes for everyone, designers in Photoshop, people using spreadsheets, if you use it daily, put in a bit of time to learn how to be efficient.
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32points
#4
Cooking basic stuff like broiled chicken, meatballs, pasta, etc
so easy to save a lot of money but people are lazy af.
so easy to save a lot of money but people are lazy af.
28points
#5
Microsoft Excel. If you know basic math and calculating then you can do amazing things.
27points
#6
Learn how to swim. It can save your life.
It shocks me how many people accidentally fall into water and drown because they don't know how to swim. You can easily learn the basics and enough to keep yourself alive in 10 hours.
It shocks me how many people accidentally fall into water and drown because they don't know how to swim. You can easily learn the basics and enough to keep yourself alive in 10 hours.
27points
#7
Probably simple car stuff. Changing a tire, battery cables, jump starting etc etc... You would be surprised how many people can't do those things and how often those are your most common problems!
26points
#9
1. CPR training 2. Fire extinguisher training 3. Swimming/floating.
26points
#10
Some basic civics. Understanding how your government actually works and is structured will save you alot of frustration and anger. It might even save you from going down dangerous roads with your ideas.
There are usually pretty good reasons why things work the way they do, even though things might seem slow and inefficient at times.
There are usually pretty good reasons why things work the way they do, even though things might seem slow and inefficient at times.
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24points
#11
First Aid. There are plenty of options to learn and imo should be refreshed once a year if possible because some stuff changes.
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23points
#12
I'd say spending 10 hours learning how your computer works will pay off forever. So many people are unaware how their machines work.
19points
#13
Questioning EVERYTHING
Whenever you need to make a decision, spend a few minutes playing "Devils Advocate" with yourself. Especially if it's something trivial or a "no brainer"
Make it a fun yet challenging game of Who/What/When/Where/How/Why against your alter ego.
You'll learn an absolute ton about your good and bad qualities, your habits, thought processes, etc. You'll also naturally learn how to phrase questions/opposing views as inquisitive, instead of abbrasive or combative.
That kind of honest and earnest self reflection will eventually affect absolutely everything in your life.
Most of my greatest lifestyle changes came from questioning things that I otherwise would've never given a second thought.
On the other side of things: Constantly questioning how/why everyday objects work, will give you an extremely well rounded foundation of transferrable/relatable knowledge. If you can't work it out on your own, google it.
If you ever find yourself in a conversation about something you haven't explored, use the opportunity to apply the same line of questions you debate yourself with. People love it when someone is open and curious about something they're passionate about.
Eventually you'll be able to relate to anyone or anything, at any time. Conversations become deeper and meaningful, your connection to people becomes stronger, and sometimes you come across hidden passions.
Whenever you need to make a decision, spend a few minutes playing "Devils Advocate" with yourself. Especially if it's something trivial or a "no brainer"
Make it a fun yet challenging game of Who/What/When/Where/How/Why against your alter ego.
You'll learn an absolute ton about your good and bad qualities, your habits, thought processes, etc. You'll also naturally learn how to phrase questions/opposing views as inquisitive, instead of abbrasive or combative.
That kind of honest and earnest self reflection will eventually affect absolutely everything in your life.
Most of my greatest lifestyle changes came from questioning things that I otherwise would've never given a second thought.
On the other side of things: Constantly questioning how/why everyday objects work, will give you an extremely well rounded foundation of transferrable/relatable knowledge. If you can't work it out on your own, google it.
If you ever find yourself in a conversation about something you haven't explored, use the opportunity to apply the same line of questions you debate yourself with. People love it when someone is open and curious about something they're passionate about.
Eventually you'll be able to relate to anyone or anything, at any time. Conversations become deeper and meaningful, your connection to people becomes stronger, and sometimes you come across hidden passions.
17points
#14
Basic finance literacy stuff such as budgeting, mortgages, negotiations, taxes, investing etc.
I'd argue that just by knowing and understanding these, one can improve his/her quality of life significantly.
I'd argue that just by knowing and understanding these, one can improve his/her quality of life significantly.
17points
#17
I’d say learning how to communicate clearly - especially writing short, structured emails/messages. It doesn’t take long to practice, but clear communication makes you stand out at work, saves endless misunderstandings, and builds respect. It’s underrated because it feels obvious, but it really pays dividends for life.
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14points
#18
Learn to type numbers without looking. I got twice as fast in about an hour. Plenty of online tutorials. .
14points
#19
Basic sign language.
Whenever I meet a deaf customer they're always so happy that I know it. Especially because I wear a mask most of the time.
Whenever I meet a deaf customer they're always so happy that I know it. Especially because I wear a mask most of the time.
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14points
#20
Learning a sewing machine, it takes a while to figure out proper tension. However, once you’re over that hump, you’ll be able to fix your own clothes, make gifts, curtains, blankets, clothes, costumes, the world is your oyster.
13points