The new year 2022 has finally arrived! The calendars are reset and you have so much time to accomplish something amazing this year. You can pick up the violin, sew your own dress, or even start investing some money. It’s up to you.
You do not know what to do ? Here are 22 useful skills you could learn in 2022.
#1 Camping
As a Girl Scout my whole life, I’ve done my share of camping trips. One thing I’ve learned from staying outdoors is to always be prepared. Bring the right materials and know how to survive. You can learn how to pitch a tent, light a fire, identify dangerous plants or animals, first aid and much more!
#2 Play an instrument
It’s never too late to learn to play an instrument! Picking up an instrument at any age will be difficult, but its benefits are unmatched. Not only can you show your music to friends and family, but you’ll also learn how to read musical notes. Plus, playing an instrument can help you release stress and stay creative!
#3 Solve a Rubix Cube
There’s nothing that impresses me more than being able to solve a Rubix Cube, especially if you can do it quickly. It may take you a little while to figure it out, but after riding you will only get better. Playing with rubix cubes can improve your memory and problem-solving skills!
#4 Embroidery
Embroidery is truly one of the most magnificent types of art. The precision that is brought to it always leaves me in awe. Luckily for all of you, getting started is pretty easy. YouTube has some very useful tutorials and you don’t need that much material. Embroidery can be extremely relaxing and you can make stunning art.
#5 Poetry
Poetry is something you really have to know, love. Some of them may make you cringe at first, but as you develop your poetic writing it becomes much more majestic. With a very large community of poets, you can even meet other people while you work on your writing!
#6 Graphic Design
In this new era, where social media and digital marketing dominate, knowing how to create graphics is incredibly valuable. Companies are hiring more and more graphic designers over the years, so starting now would be great. Canva is a great platform for beginners, but as you progress I would suggest moving your talent to Adobe platforms, like Adobe Photoshop. 
#7 Swimming
Being a good swimmer or just knowing how to swim could save your life one day. You’ll never know what situation you’ll find yourself in, so it’s best to be prepared. If you can’t swim, check with your city to find out if there are free or inexpensive swimming lessons. If you already know how to swim, find a local pool and build up your stamina, swimming form, and speed. You might even find a passion doing it!
#8 First Aid
Life can be unpredictable, but knowing a few simple first aid skills can save someone. From knowing CPR to being able to do the Heimlich maneuver, you can be a hero. With a few simple searches on the internet, you can find courses that can certify you. The American Red Cross is a great resource for finding training and information. 
#9 Invest
One of the best ways to make money from an early age is to get involved in the stock market and invest your money. With the right investments, you can turn small amounts of money into much larger sums. Before you begin, however, make sure you understand the market and your goals. There are extremely informative videos and books that you should check out before investing.
#10 Sewing
It seems that over the years fewer and fewer people know how to sew even though the skill is so important. Want to make a dress? Sew it! Do you have ripped pants? Sew them! Stuck in the middle of the ocean with no sails? Sew them! Learning to sew is quite simple. You might even learn yourself! Grab a needle, some thread and some old fabric and get started! If you need help, YouTube has helpful tutorials. 
#11 Sell a product
Whether it’s opening a lemonade stand or selling crafts on Etsy, knowing how to make a product is crucial. In the future, if you ever find yourself in a position where you need to sell something, your previous experience will be essential. Work on marketing products properly and convincing customers to make purchases. It will improve your interpersonal skills and could boost your confidence. Good luck, business superstar! 
#12 Working with children
From an early age, you will discover that you are either someone who loves children or who can’t stand them. It will be pretty clear. Either way, it is essential to know how to interact with children; they are everywhere. You can start babysitting or volunteering at a local elementary school. Try to notice what makes children happy, sad, and productive. The better you know how children live and act, the better prepared you are for the future.
#13 Journalism
Journalism has captured my heart, and it can capture yours too. From investigative stories to jaw-dropping interviews, there’s nothing not to love. Grab your laptop or grab a pen and brainstorm story ideas. Next, see if your school has a journal you can write for. If not, consider making your own! Additionally, there are many online publications like The Teen Magazine that accept young writers. You will be able to further develop your writing skills, boost your CV and meet fascinating people.
#14 Cooking
Food is delicious, and when you know how to prepare it, it can change your life. Eventually, you’ll need to be able to cook for yourself, so the sooner you can pick up a spatula, the better. Grab your grandma’s cookbook or check out Allrecipes and head to this kitchen. Prepare delicious pasta with your family or concoct a good sorbet; there is so much creativity when it comes to cooking.
#15 Cycling
Don’t have a car and need some exercise? I have the perfect solution for you: the bike. Pull out your dusty childhood bike or head to a local Target for a cheap bike. Biking will get you places much faster than walking, give you a good workout, and is great for the environment. Put on that helmet and start pedaling!
#16 Debate
As someone used to being part of a speech and debate team, I can’t speak highly enough of knowing how to debate someone. There will be countless situations in your life where you find yourself arguing with someone. When you know how to debate properly, you almost always win. I recommend joining a local speech and debate team if you want to improve your debate.
#17 Songwriting
There are many famous singers who don’t write their own songs. There are other people, songwriters, behind the scenes. These “other people” could be you. Start by writing down some lyrics and rhymes. Record some melodies that you find and find catchy. If you have the talent to sing, sing the songs you create. Alternatively, find a qualified friend and have them sing it for you. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll write Ariana Grande’s next big hit.
#18 Computer Programming
The programming industry is booming and represents the future. Millions of new jobs are going to be computer programming based, so getting a head start would be great. You can start with “bulk coding” and progress. Most high schools offer computer classes, so if you can, take one. Once you’ve developed your skills, you can try building an app with Code.org!
#19 Juggling
Juggling can be incredibly frustrating, but, like anything, with enough practice you can become really talented. Take two beanbags, tennis balls, or any other pair of objects that can be thrown in the air and try to throw them about a foot in the air simultaneously. Activate a YouTube tutorial and keep practicing. Besides being a cool party trick, juggling improves reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
#20 Planning and time management
It’s never too early to learn how to manage your calendar, time and events. Having strong time management skills will change your life. For one, you need to use a calendar if you don’t already. Also, try to plan your day ahead the night before. Also know when you work best, you don’t want to have a meeting when you’re tired.
#21 Public Speaking
Did you know that public speaking is one of the most popular fears? Although so important in everyday life, speaking in front of a crowd can be incredibly difficult. Joining theater programs, Model United Nations, speeches and debates, and mock trials can all be helpful. Stepping out of your comfort zone will be tough, but you’ll soon be a public speaking rock star.
#22 Budgeting
Unfortunately, not all schools teach how to properly budget your money. Budgeting will give you a better understanding of your financial situation and allow you to see what you can spend on unnecessary things. If you don’t have any money yet, take an amount like 1000 imaginary dollars and try to budget it for two weeks. Let’s say your rent is $500 a month, so you know $250 of your allowance goes towards that. Take into account the prices of gas, groceries, bills and more. This will allow you to practice your skills and will have no real consequences if you get it wrong.
So! 22 fantastic and practical skills you should consider learning this year. Please keep in mind that you won’t look natural at all, so be patient with yourself. What’s really amazing is that you take the time to learn these skills.
