We place too much emphasis on formal education, and not enough credit is given to the people who get out there and do something. Many creatives are impatient with traditional forms of schooling and are consumed by a need to be working in their art. So they make something happen.

Your education and technical know how become obsolete rapidly. The answer is continuous training, ongoing learning. You will need to brush up on your skills and use your Heroine’s Journey travelling skills to stay current. That means YOU take responsibility for updating your skills through conventional or unconventional means.

Put yourself in the line of fire when it comes to opportunities to learn new skills. Soak it all in.

Take on projects that cause you to stretch and grow. Don’t dodge a job because you don’t  have the skills; just allow yourself twice as much time to do it, and learn as you go.

Be a sponge.  Pay attention, listen and learn from those around you. That is what little kids do. Be a little kid again – look at the world through wondering eyes, treat all those big people as giants and geniuses.

Pass it on. I have found that the best way to learn something is to teach it to others. It is a great way to keep your creativity fresh.

Take your skills and abilities into other fields.  

Develop skills in several media.

Experiment.  Sometimes the best way to learn something is by playing around.

Get out of your comfort zone.  Meet a different set of people and ideas.

Become a storyteller.  Use all your storytelling skills in every interaction.