Motivation:
It can be difficult to expand our interests because we get so comfortable doing what we know how to do. We have fall backs for lack of learning new things, such as the television to watch, or the internet to surf. So, instead of learning and expanding as a society we remain stagnant.
It can be difficult to find motivation within yourself to break away from your everyday routine. We get used to doing what we do, and don't have an easy time finding the intrinsic motivation we need. The following are some tips for how to expand your interests and get motivated to learn new things.
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Reward yourself. This is a great way to motivate yourself to do something, that is why we work, to get the reward (a paycheck). That is why we do all of the things we do. So, find a reward to motivate yourself to expand your interests. Choose your reward, then decide what you need to accomplish or learn in order to get that reward. Usually you only need to do this a few times before the reward of accomplishing something becomes enough to motivate you in and of itself.
Fear or necessity could be a good way to get motivated. Spend some time with people who are illiterate, who are unlearned, who do not take knowledge seriously. Look at the life they lead, and let that motivate you to improve yourself instead of just wallow in ignorance. You could do the opposite as well as spend time with people who are constantly learning and improving themselves, and look at how they live. If you want it bad enough you will do it.
Commit yourself. Last but not least, if you want to get motivated to learn new things and expand your interests you have to commit yourself to it. You can't just say you want it, but you have to provide a way to get it. Make a game plan. Devote a half hour of time every day to doing just that, and pretty soon you will find yourself doing it automatically. However, no one has time for something that they are not fully committed to, so make it a priority. Write it down, schedule it in, and make it something you are committed to doing daily, weekly, etc.
Obviously once you get motivated you need to stay motivated, and to do this you will need to make sure you have all of the necessary tools. So, if it is to learn to rock climb, you will need rock climbing gear, a membership to a rock climbing gym, or a place nearby for outdoor rock climbing. You will need an instructor.
You can't learn new things without someone or something to teach you, so take the time to find the best books, the best teachers, and the best learning environment for you, and then enjoy the learning process. Often times, learning something new means you have more to occupy your time, and your interest, and you will find that you really enjoy doing the thing, and wish you would have done it sooner. Make it a priority to expand interests, and find someone to do it with you so that you will have a lot of fun in the process. You will never regret it.
