36+ Cool and Interesting Things to Learn - SaaSRaptor - Actionable SaaS and Digital Marketing Insights

Skill-Based Things to Learn

Some of the most rewarding things to learn are practical skills you can use in everyday life. These are the kind of things that make you more capable, confident, and self-sufficient, and they’re often a lot more fun than they sound.

Here are some skill-based ideas worth exploring:

1. Learn a New Language

Learning a new language opens up a whole new world. It helps you connect with different cultures, makes travel more enjoyable, and can even boost your career. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel make it easier than ever to get started, even if you’re a total beginner.

2. Master Touch Typing

Typing faster and more accurately saves time in everything from writing emails to working on reports. Once you get the hang of it, touch typing becomes second nature, and it’s a skill that pays off for life.

3. Speed Reading

Imagine being able to read through books, articles, or reports in half the time without losing comprehension. Speed reading techniques help you absorb information faster, a great skill for students, professionals, or just curious minds.

4. Learn Sign Language

Sign language is a beautiful and expressive way to communicate. Whether you’re learning it to connect with the deaf community or just out of curiosity, it’s a skill that promotes empathy and inclusivity.

5. Basic First Aid

Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. Learning CPR, how to treat cuts or burns, or what to do in case of choking are basic skills everyone should have, just in case.

6. Public Speaking

The fear of speaking in front of a crowd is common, but it’s something you can overcome with practice. From giving a toast to presenting in meetings, strong public speaking skills make you a more confident communicator.

7. Writing with Style (Creative Writing or Blogging)

Writing is more than just putting words on a page; it’s about expressing your voice. Whether it’s journaling, storytelling, or blogging, good writing can inspire, inform, and connect with people in powerful ways. So it’s always one of those cool things to learn in free time.

8. Photography and Photo Editing

Learning how to take and edit great photos turns everyday moments into works of art. With just a smartphone or a basic camera, you can dive into lighting, composition, and editing tools like Lightroom or Snapseed.

9. Cooking Global Cuisines

Why not travel the world from your kitchen? Learning to cook dishes from different cultures not only tastes amazing, but it also teaches you about traditions, flavors, and ingredients from around the globe.

10. DIY Home Repairs

Knowing how to fix a leaky tap, hang a shelf, or patch up a wall can save you time and money. Basic home repair skills are super empowering, plus, there’s something satisfying about fixing things with your own two hands.

Tech & Digital Skills to Learn

In today’s world, digital skills are more important than ever and can be new things to learn. Whether you’re looking to boost your career, start a side hustle, or just keep up with the times, learning tech-related skills can give you a serious edge.

Here are some cool and practical things to learn in the digital world:

11. Coding (HTML, Python, or JavaScript)

Learning to code might sound intimidating, but it’s pretty fun once you get started. HTML helps you build web pages, Python is great for beginners and data-related tasks, and JavaScript brings websites to life.

Even basic knowledge can make you feel like a tech wizard.

12. Graphic Design

Being able to create eye-catching graphics is a super useful skill, whether you’re making social media posts, business flyers, or personal projects. Tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator make it easier than ever to get started, even if you’re not a “designer.”

13. Video Editing

Video content is everywhere now, and learning how to edit videos can help you create vlogs, tutorials, or even professional content. Software like CapCut, iMovie, or Adobe Premiere Pro gives you the power to craft your own story.

14. Excel or Google Sheets Mastery

Spreadsheets might not seem exciting at first, but once you know how to use formulas, filters, and charts, they become powerful tools for organizing data, tracking goals, and managing finances.

15. SEO & Digital Marketing Basics

Want your content to be found online? Learning the basics of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and digital marketing can help you grow a blog, business, or personal brand. It’s not just for marketers, it’s for anyone who wants visibility on the web.

16. How to Build a Website

Having your website is like owning a piece of the internet. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Webflow make it surprisingly easy to build a personal site, portfolio, or even a small online store, no advanced coding required.

17. AI Tools & Automation Basics

AI is changing the game. Learning how to use tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Zapier can help you write faster, automate boring tasks, and become more productive overall. It’s a smart move for staying ahead of the curve.

Creative & Artistic Hobbies to Learn

Sometimes, the best things to learn are the ones that let your creativity shine. Artistic hobbies aren’t just fun, they’re also a great way to relax, express yourself, and even create something meaningful.

Here are a few creative hobbies and skills to learn that are worth exploring:

18. Playing a Musical Instrument

Whether it’s a guitar, piano, ukulele, or even a digital keyboard app, learning to play an instrument is incredibly rewarding. It sharpens your mind, improves coordination, and gives you a lifelong outlet for expression. So playing musical instruments can be one of the cool things to learn when bored.

19. Drawing or Sketching

You don’t have to be a “born artist” to enjoy drawing. Start with basic shapes and shading, then slowly build up your style. It’s a calming, screen-free way to unwind and develop your visual thinking skills.

20. Calligraphy or Hand Lettering

Beautiful handwriting is still a thing, and calligraphy can be surprisingly meditative. From creating custom cards to designing journal pages, it’s a skill that mixes art and mindfulness in the best way.

21. Origami or Paper Crafts

Folding paper into beautiful designs can be both fun and relaxing. Origami improves focus and patience, and it’s a great way to create decorations, gifts, or even mini sculptures, all from a simple piece of paper.

22. DIY Jewelry Making

Creating your earrings, bracelets, or necklaces is a mix of craft and fashion. With a few basic tools and supplies, you can start designing unique pieces for yourself or as thoughtful handmade gifts.

23. Animation or Stop Motion

If you’re into storytelling or filmmaking, learning basic animation or stop motion can be super exciting. You can start with apps like FlipaClip or Stop Motion Studio and bring your characters or objects to life, frame by frame.

Mind & Personal Development Skills to Learn

Learning isn’t just about external skills; it’s also about growing from the inside out. Working on your mind and personal development can improve the way you think, feel, and interact with the world around you.

Here are some fascinating things to learn that focus on your inner growth:

24. Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. With just a few minutes a day, mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and make you feel more grounded. Apps like Headspace or Calm are great places to begin.

25. Memory Techniques

Ever wish you could remember things more easily? Learning memory hacks like visualization, the memory palace method, or chunking can seriously upgrade your ability to retain names, facts, or even grocery lists.

26. Goal Setting & Time Management

Setting clear goals and managing your time well can completely change your productivity. Learning how to plan your day, break big goals into small steps, and stay focused is a life skill that pays off every single day.

27. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is about understanding your own emotions and reading others better. It helps you handle stress, build stronger relationships, and make more thoughtful decisions. The good news? It’s something you can learn and practice.

28. Lucid Dreaming or Dream Journaling

Lucid dreaming, being aware that you’re dreaming while still in the dream, is a fascinating skill to explore. Even if you’re not ready for that, keeping a dream journal helps you understand your thoughts, emotions, and patterns on a deeper level.

29. The Basics of Philosophy

Philosophy isn’t just for academics; it’s about asking big questions and exploring different ways of thinking. Learning basic philosophical ideas can expand your mind, challenge your assumptions, and help you see the world from new angles.

Fun, Random, and Curious Skills to Learn

Not everything you learn has to be super serious or career-focused. Sometimes, the most enjoyable things to learn are just… fun, weird, or unexpected. These kinds of skills keep your brain active and give you great conversation starters, too!

Here are some curious and entertaining things to learn just for the joy of it:

30. Juggling

Juggling isn’t just for clowns and circus acts; it’s a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and focus. Start with three soft balls or beanbags, and once you get the rhythm, it feels incredibly satisfying.

31. Magic Tricks or Card Tricks

Learning a few simple magic tricks can instantly turn you into the life of the party. It’s all about sleight of hand, timing, and a bit of showmanship. YouTube is packed with tutorials that make learning magic both fun and easy.

32. Chess or Strategic Board Games

Chess sharpens your problem-solving and planning skills, and once you get into it, it’s hard to stop. Other strategic board games like Settlers of Catan or Risk can also challenge your brain in exciting ways.

33. Reading Body Language

Understanding body language can give you a deeper insight into how people are really feeling. From reading facial expressions to noticing posture or micro-expressions, it’s like unlocking a new layer of communication.

34. Survival Skills or Wilderness Basics

Even if you’re not planning to live off the grid, basic survival skills like making a fire, purifying water, or identifying edible plants are just cool to know. Plus, they might come in handy during camping trips or emergencies.

35. Building a Rube Goldberg Machine

These overly complicated contraptions that perform simple tasks are a blast to build. They teach you about cause and effect, engineering, and creativity, and watching them work is just plain fun.

36. Speed Cubing (Solving a Rubik’s Cube)

Solving a Rubik’s Cube might look impossible at first, but once you learn the basic algorithms, it becomes a super addictive puzzle. Speed cubing takes it to the next level, and it’s a great brain workout too.

BONUS: Learn Something New Every Day

One of the easiest ways to stay curious and grow continuously is to make learning a daily habit. And the best part? It doesn’t have to take hours out of your day.

There are so many amazing resources out there. You can watch inspiring TED Talks on topics you’ve never even thought about. Platforms like MasterClass let you learn from actual experts and celebrities.

And then there’s YouTube, a goldmine of free tutorials, how-tos, and mini-documentaries on just about anything.

If you prefer listening on the go, podcasts are perfect. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or doing chores, you can feed your brain with stories, science, self-improvement tips, and more.

And of course, online courses, from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare, make it easy to dive deep into a subject at your own pace.

You don’t have to commit to big, long study sessions. Try microlearning, a method where you learn in small chunks, just 5–10 minutes a day. Read an article, watch a short video, or learn a new fact. Over time, those little moments add up.

So whether it’s a fun fact, a new skill, or a shift in perspective, try to make space for learning something new every single day.

Conclusion

With so many cool and interesting things to learn, the hardest part is just picking where to begin. So here’s a simple tip: don’t overthink it. Just choose 2 or 3 things from the list that spark your curiosity and give them a try.

Remember, learning doesn’t have to be serious, perfect, or even productive. It’s okay to explore something just because it looks fun or sounds a little weird. That’s where the real magic happens.

You don’t need fancy tools, tons of time, or expert skills to start. Just a little curiosity and a willingness to explore something new.

As the saying goes, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

So here’s a little challenge: Pick one new thing to learn this week, and tell us about it in the comments! What will you try first?