Never underestimate what learning anything can do for you.

Modern humans have survived the last 160,000 years in large part because they were able to adapt to their surroundings. Adaptation is the application of learned knowledge. When our ancestors invented the wheel, discovered fire, and built the first air conditioner (Thank you!), they were able to do more than what they could before.

Think about what you did or are about to do today. Were you able to learn something new? If you’re at work, are you looking forward to something after?

Learning doesn’t need to be a scientific breakthrough or a divine epiphany of who you are. Most of the time, learning anything contributes to our growth and more importantly, our enjoyment.

I have played electric guitar for more than 18 years. It’s something I love to do. For the first two years of learning, I felt like I was learning so much. I went from novice to intermediate player in a relatively short time. I devoured everything I could about guitar. This was before YouTube and the internet had everything at your disposal for learning. The next 16 years though was a plateau for my growth as a musician. I was stagnant. I played the same things over and over again, and I never really understood what was happening with the music. I simply repeated the same chords and phrases as my favorite musicians.

Six months before the time of this article I took guitar lessons again after 18 years since my last one. I had discovered my old guitar teacher on Facebook and I asked if he still taught guitar. He now has his own studio and teaches there when he’s not mixing and mastering tracks of various artists.

The lessons paid off. I am now able to play in a band as a guitarist. I no longer have to hide behind my other guitarist friends when I can’t play a certain part. I have confidence in my ability to contribute to the music.

I can say that this experience has been one of the most enjoyable phases of learning in my life. Is it relevant in the grand scheme of things? Probably not. Does it change the world and make it a better place? Not really.

What I do know is that I am a happier person because I invested in an activity that I enjoy. I saw growth in a part of my life that I wanted to see growth in. It doesn’t matter how small you may think your learning endeavor will be. As long as it lifts you up and gives you a sense of accomplishment, there’s no need to justify it further.

So go on, pick up that paint brush, shovel, instrument, or sport. Just learn ANYTHING!