IMAGE SOURCE UNSPLASH by Clark Tibbs
The Time taken to master a skill in some cases is usually long, and most times we miss out on new things because we were focused on mastering a particular thing. Again, if we spread our learning to several things, we may end up having a little grip on most of the things. The question then is this, which is better, learning new things when we see one we like irrespective of whether we are perfect with our former skill or not or mastering the existing ones first?
Do make use of the comment box to share your view on the discussion. But then, here are my views.
A blacksmith who produces fine tools with iron, but struggles when steel is involved is not a bad blacksmith at first stand. He is only not living to the fullest, the responsibilities of his state of work, especially when there is an opportunity to learn. It is something beautiful to diversify and position ourselves from the several opportunities in the world, but it is more profitable if we can try as much as possible to be professionals in our fields. This gives us confidence in our work and makes us give out the bests to our customers.
The challenge most times is lack of concentration. Many people are easily moved by what they hear or see. At a point, they moved into skill A, but soon they will learn that Skill B is more lucrative, and then their attention moves from skill A to skill B. The cycles continue like this. They may be able to complete some Skill A-related jobs but their knowledge in the skill is still shallow. When their expertise is to be tested in the two skills, they will have little to offer.
For me, it is better to have a single skill and be an expert in it. The advantage therein is that you will always offer solutions to issues in that field. Your expertise in it will be a good marketing tool for you. Those you have interacted with will not only return to you in the future when they face similar issues but will also refer their friends and family to you.
I do not by this, criticize the idea of having several skills, especially in this present world that is evolving rapidly. Spread your learning, but do not be a jack of all trade and master of none. It is better to move to a new skill when you are sure that you have learned the previous skill very well. Moreover, there are some things that you can't fully learn. Learning is a continuous process, but there are times when you can comfortably beat your chest and say," YES, I AM GOOD IN THIS FIELD". At this point, it is desirable to learn new things.