Today marks the beginning of a new month, and with it comes a new “Skill of 2018”. But before I delve into the complexities of solving a Rubik’s cube in under 30 seconds, or finally bunker down and get started on my Mandarin, it’s time to tell you of my ability to whistle. Rather than write a blurb about my successes and failures, here’s a video to show my current ability. (For those wondering, the backdrop is for the students I tutor online).
While I technically did “learn” how to whistle, I definitely have a ways to go before I can do it consistently or with more variety. I’ll mark January’s challenge as a partial success, which I think is fair considering I only had half the month to work on it.
Now it’s onward to solving this Rubik’s “Speed” Cube without deconstructing it.
For the past couple weeks I have been having a lot of trouble deciding on a new year’s resolution and no, the irony is not lost on me. In one of my research sessions (YouTube binges) I stumbled across this video about a guy named Matt Deutsch who challenged himself to master a new skill every month for a year.
Feeling inspired by this concept, I decided to do something very similar. Rather than simply having a one-month time limit on challenges, I decided on a ‘by the end of each month’ challenge. This way I can incorporate skills that take a longer time to build and not feel like I’m “cheating” if I give myself a head start.
So, without further ado, here is my “new year’s resolution”/Skills of 2018 Challenge:
By the end of…
January: Learn how to whistle. Current Skill Level: Can breathe.
February: Solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 30 seconds. Current Skill Level: Never solved a Rubik’s Cube without a computer or removing stickers.
March: Hold a 10-minute conversation in Mandarin. Current Skill Level: Can speak <20 words in Mandarin.
April: Complete every “very difficult” Sudoku puzzle from 7Sudoku. Current Skill Level: No idea how Sudoku works.
May: Draw & write an acceptable 10-page manga with varying characters and detailed settings. Current Skill Level: Can draw stick figures with smiley faces.
June: Go on a weekend cycling trip, including at least 10 hours of cycling. Current Skill Level: Exhaustion and sore muscles after less than an hour.
July: Get 6-pack abs. Current Skill Level: Never go to the gym.
August: Crochet a hat, gloves, and scarf. Current Skill Level: Had to Google “difference between crocheting and knitting” just now.
September: Fold 30 different origami designs from memory in one sitting. Current Skill Level: Can make a boat.
October: Homebrew a drinkable beer. Current Skill Level: Have a general idea of how beer is made in factories.
November: Become proficient with Excel and create new VBA automations with ease. Current Skill Level: Know very basic Excel functions. Understand the concept of macros.
December: Film, edit, and produce a 20-minute documentary. Current Skill Level: Can take nice pictures with my phone.
I’ll be writing occasional updates when I complete a monthly challenge or when I’ve made good progress. Watch out for new posts!
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