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“Make no mistake: You will be challenged at some point in time. We all are. That’s just life.” ― Vernon Davis

Throughout life, we develop behaviors and learn skills that can enrich our experiences. By dedicating yourself to learning valuable skills, you can find greater opportunities for personal and professional triumphs. While there's no definitive list of skills that guarantee success, it's important to determine which competencies are most worthwhile.In this article, we share 101 life skills and why they're useful.

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Why is it important to develop life skills?

Developing life skills is important because it allows you to create a well-rounded approach to life. When you feel confident in your ability to overcome challenges, your motivation increases. This benefits every area of your life, including your career and relationships. Learning these skills can also benefit society in the long term.

101 useful skills to learn

Here are some of the most useful life skills:

Computer literacy skills

Computer literacy skills allow you to operate easily in an increasingly digitized world. Here are four skills you can develop:

1. Learn to type quickly and accurately.
2. Learn to use the Microsoft Office suite and all keyboard shortcuts.
3. Learn to code.
4. Learn to integrate your devices for seamless connectivity.

You can develop these skills by enrolling in certification courses, reading relevant materials and watching educational videos.Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.Related: 106 Shortcuts for Excel To Save You Time

Housekeeping skills

Housekeeping skills help you manage your home's cleanliness and comfort. Here are five useful skills:

1. Learn interior decorating tasks, such as how to hang wallpaper, lay flooring, frame artwork and paint your home.
2. Learn basic home repair and maintenance, such as repairing appliances, fixing a frayed electric cord and unclogging a drain.
3. Learn basic sewing skills, including how to add a button, alter ill-fitting clothes and patch clothing with holes.
4. Learn to organize and declutter your home.
5. Learn to cook, bake, fry and use a charcoal grill.

Develop these skills by asking for advice, searching for tips online and reading how-to guides and user manuals.Related: Learn About Being a Building Maintenance Technician

Road skills

Road skills can improve your competence when driving and maintaining your vehicle. Here are five common skills:

1. Learn to perform basic automobile repairs, such as changing spark plugs and changing your oil.
2. Learn to read a map.
3. Learn to jumpstart a dead battery.
4. Learn to change a flat tire.
5. Learn common automobile terminology to communicate with salespeople or mechanics easily.

You can develop these skills by learning from others, watching instructional videos and reading user manuals and informative articles.Related: Mechanic Skills: Definition and Examples

Survival skills

Survival skills may help you ensure your safety and that of everyone around you. Here are five useful skills:

1. Learn to prepare for a major crisis, including what supplies you should have.
2. Learn to create and store an emergency water supply.
3. Learn to use a defibrillator and perform CPR, first aid and the Heimlich maneuver on adults, children and infants.
4. Learn to start a fire with and without matches.
5. Learn to use a portable generator.

Consider enrolling in survival training courses and becoming certified in different life-saving techniques. You can also read survival materials and watch instructional content.Related: How To Get a Search and Rescue Job (Plus Skills Needed)

Time management skills

Time-management skills can maximize your efficiency. Here are six useful skills:

1. Learn to read an analog clock.
2. Learn to set goals.
3. Learn to use a calendar or planner for scheduling.
4. Learn to plan and prioritize your tasks, responsibilities and goals.
5. Learn to create to-do lists.
6. Learn to plan and host events.

You can improve your time management by regularly reviewing your schedule, asking colleagues for advice, taking professional development classes or reading books on this subject.Related: Guide To Creating SMART Goals for Time Management

Financial skills

Financial skills promote financial literacy and support the accumulation of wealth. Here are six skills you can develop:

1. Learn to create a budget.
2. Learn to check, build and repair credit scores.
3. Learn to save and invest money.
4. Learn to conserve resources.
5. Learn to apply for a loan or a credit card.
6. Learn to hire and work with a tax professional.

You can develop these skills by using services that help you track your finances and prioritize budget-conscious spending.

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills reinforce your ability to interact with others successfully. These are five useful skills:

1. Learn to accept both compliments and criticism.
2. Learn to have productive conversations, including how to listen actively and respond intentionally.
3. Learn the basics of social and conversational etiquette.
4. Learn to strengthen relationships through empathy and proper communication.
5. Learn to master your nonverbal communication and interpret that of others.

Try observing the actions of others and reading informative content on the subject.Related: Active Listening Skills for Successful Communication

Communication skills

Communication skills benefit your personal and professional life. Here are six skills you can develop:

1. Learn to speak clearly and succinctly.
2. Learn to have productive discussions, including how to debate respectfully.
3. Learn when and how to compromise.
4. Learn to negotiate.
5. Learn to write and deliver an engaging speech.
6. Learn how and when to hire a lawyer to mediate complex issues.

You can develop these skills by studying well-known speakers, enrolling in speech and debate courses, reading books and engaging with relevant online content.Related: 8 Questions To Ask During a Negotiation (With Tips)

Critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills allow you to see the world objectively. You can develop these five skills:

1. Learn to think critically and logically.
2. Learn problem-solving techniques.
3. Learn when and how to question conventional wisdom.
4. Learn to interpret statistics and spot errors in statistical thinking.
5. Learn how to focus on the most important details.

To develop these skills, enroll in professional development courses, watch educational content and read books on logic, critical thinking, problem-solving and statistics.Related: 26 Logical Fallacies and How To Spot Them

Learning skills

Learning skills help broaden your understanding of all subjects. Here are five useful skills:

1. Learn to develop a curious mindset.
2. Learn to ask productive questions.
3. Learn basic math.
4. Learn to use grammar properly.
5. Learn to take effective notes.

Develop these skills by observing others, seeking advice and reading relevant books and online content.Related: How To Speed Read: Benefits and Strategies

Professional skills

Professional skills make you a valuable employee. Here are seven skills to develop:

1. Learn to craft a resume and cover letter.
2. Learn to prepare for an interview.
3. Learn fundamental leadership skills.
4. Learn to delegate responsibility.
5. Learn to ask for a raise.
6. Learn to form a peer mentoring group.
7. Learn to network with other professionals.

You can develop these skills by conducting research, asking for advice from established leaders and practicing with friends or colleagues.Related: Why I Deserve a Raise: 7 Reasons To Give Your Employer and How To Ask for One

Civics skills

Civics skills help form the foundation for a stable, engaged society. You can develop these six useful skills:

1. Learn to vote.
2. Learn ways to give back to your community.
3. Learn how the economy and taxes work.
4. Learn to be environmentally responsible.
5. Learn to stay informed about local, national and international current events.
6. Learn to discuss sensitive topics respectfully.

You can develop these skills by conducting research, reading newspapers and watching news broadcasts. You can also read educational texts on the economy, tax systems, the environment and other topics.Related: Sustainable Strategy: The Benefits and How To Create One for Your Business

Writing skills

Writing skills reinforce your capacity to communicate and think. Here are three useful skills:

1. Learn to proofread documents.
2. Learn to revise your work and collaborate with editors.
3. Learn to use a thesaurus.

Consider seeking advice from writing professionals and reviewing common style guides and other writing resources.

Creativity and hobby-building skills

Creativity and hobby-building skills help improve cognitive function. You can develop these 11 skills:

1. Learn to play a musical instrument.
2. Learn to re-purpose old furniture.
3. Learn basic photography and videography skills.
4. Learn papercraft, such as origami.
5. Learn to paint or draw.
6. Learn to play common card games.
7. Learn to tell a joke.
8. Learn to garden.
9. Learn to play charades.
10. Learn the art of storytelling.
11. Learn to write a short story and a poem.

You can develop these skills by enrolling in creative courses, watching online content and reading instructional articles and books.Related: How To Brainstorm Effectively in 10 Steps

Emotional well-being skills

Emotional well-being skills help support your mental and physical health. Here are five useful skills:

1. Learn to develop a stronger sense of self.
2. Learn to process emotions and relieve stress through journaling.
3. Learn techniques to improve your sleep habits.
4. Learn grounding exercises to overcome panic, worry and fear.
5. Learn to develop a gracious attitude.

Try making time for intentional daily introspection, prioritizing self-care, seeking advice or professional guidance and consistently practicing everything you learn.Related: 16 Questions To Ask Yourself for Introspection

Fitness skills

Fitness skills strengthen your muscles and bones, elevate your stamina and reduce health issues. Consider developing these skills:

1. Learn to stretch properly.
2. Learn correct running form and rhythmic breathing.
3. Learn proper weightlifting techniques.
4. Learn bodyweight exercises.
5. Learn ways to stay active, such as dancing or participating in sports.

Develop these skills by learning about proper body mechanics, working with a personal trainer, watching instructional videos and reading educational material.Related: 15 Workplace Exercises To Keep You Healthy at the Office

Nutritional skills

Nutritional skills help nurture your body's ability to function. Here are five useful skills to have:

1. Learn ways to ensure proper hydration.
2. Learn basic nutritional information.
3. Learn to recognize and dispute nutritional myths.
4. Learn which ingredients to remove from your diet.
5. Learn to read and understand food labels.

You can develop these skills by seeking guidance from a nutritionist, reading relevant studies and watching documentaries and other fact-based videos.Related: 10 Best Foodie Jobs

Relaxation skills

Relaxation skills help you reduce stress. Here are five useful skills:

1. Learn to meditate.
2. Learn progressive muscle relaxation.
3. Learn about the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils.
4. Learn yoga or tai chi.
5. Learn intentional breathing.

Considering reading informative texts, watching educational videos and attending relaxation workshops and seminars.Related: How To Relax After Work (Plus Why It's Important)

Resilience

Developing resiliency is one of the most essential life skills. Resilience is your ability to adapt to adversity, trauma and other stressful situations. You can develop this skill by creating a strong social network, strengthening your problem-solving skills and adopting a growth mindset. It's also useful to prioritize self-care and seek mental health support when necessary.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best way to learn a new skill?Everybody learns differently, but here are some tips to learn a new skill:

• Be patient with yourself and learn a little at a time.
• Practice daily.
• Find a mentor who can observe your progress and advise you.
• Continue adjusting your methods to learn what works best for you.

How do you know what skills you should learn?If you want to learn a skill that might be beneficial to your career, consider performing a skills assessment and identifying key gaps you might fill. If you'd rather gain skills outside your field to expand your career options, consider reviewing the most in-demand jobs and pursuing associated skills.

What are the best future skills to learn?As the job market moves into the future, new job positions are forming while old ones are becoming obsolete. It's important to anticipate new skill sets that could be important in future careers. Here are 10 fast-growing skills areas that could prove useful in a quickly evolving workforce. 

• Technology skills
• Numeracy
• Critical reasoning
• Analytical thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Complex problem solving
• Creativity and innovation 
• Flexibility 
• Stress tolerance

The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers.

Thanks & Gratitude

What is a skill you have that you are very thankful for?