We asked Dr. Ikiz what can help people continue with the process of learning a new skill even if they might be frustrated with the results they’re (not) getting. According to the neuroscientist, it all starts with understanding how learning works.

“We know through neuroscientific research that learning new skills involves forming and strengthening neural connections, and it is a gradual process. The initial learning phase can be slow and challenging, but the brain becomes more efficient at performing the task with repeated practice,” she explained to Bored Panda that it’s important to acknowledge and accept the natural learning curve. This, in turn, can manage our expectations and reduce frustration.

On top of that, it’s essential to be realistic about progress. “Setting small, achievable goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and encourage continued effort. These goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound. Achieving these smaller milestones can boost motivation and confidence, even when progress seems slow,” Dr. Ikiz told us via email.

The neuroscience expert noted that people can remain more engaged if they focus on the learning process itself, not just the end result. “This approach involves enjoying the practice and valuing the learning experience, not just the skill acquired.”

Meanwhile, if someone feels incredibly frustrated with their lack of progress, they may want to look for ways to manage all of this stress. “Mindfulness practices can help manage frustration and anxiety associated with learning. Deep breathing, meditation, or short breaks can reset the brain, reduce stress, and improve focus and cognitive function,” she said.

And let’s not forget the importance of proper rest for our bodies and brains. “Proper rest and sleep enhance the brain's plasticity. Adequate sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and skill acquisition. Encouraging learners to balance work, rest, and recreation can facilitate better learning outcomes,” Dr. Ikiz said.

Bored Panda also wanted to get to grips with what someone might do if they fall out of love with a hobby or skill that they used to enjoy. Dr. Ikiz shared a few suggestions about rekindling that passion.

“Sometimes, stepping away from an activity can renew interest and passion. A break can provide perspective and allow the brain time to process and subconsciously integrate what has been learned,” she said.

According to the neuroscientist, engaging with different aspects of a hobby or skill can also reignite interest. “For instance, if someone loves painting but feels burnt out, they might try a new medium or style. This approach stimulates different brain areas and keeps the activity fresh and engaging,” she told Bored Panda.

Because we’re social animals, sharing your hobby or skill with others can also work wonders. You can do this through clubs, online communities, or classes. All of these can add a social dimension to the hobby that can end up renewing your interest and motivation.

“Learning from others and sharing experiences can provide new insights and inspiration,” the neuroscience expert noted.

Dr. Ikiz suggested that people can also try revisiting the original reasons why they took up a hobby. “Whether for relaxation, self-expression, challenge, or connection with others, reminding oneself of these motivations can be powerful,” she told us.

In the meantime, you can also make the learning process more challenging to bring some novelty into your life. “Incorporating new challenges within the hobby or skill can make it more engaging. This could mean setting new goals, experimenting with new techniques, or even teaching the skill to others.”

Celebrities do not have a monopoly on getting good at something. It’s certainly an asset if you have more spare time and plenty of money—these things allow you more flexibility. But, at the end of the day, it’s about what you do with your time, not how much of it you have, that really matters.

Someone who’s able to fully commit themselves to learning a new skill even for half an hour every day, consistently, is going to quickly outpace anyone with tons of spare time and no discipline. So whether you’re a celebrity with riches beyond count or just a fan of the entertainment industry (hi!), refining your skills until they’re world-class is within everyone’s grasp. Character, rather than resources, is key here.

Nobody is going to learn how to jet ski or play the piano for you. It’s all down to you to persevere through the exhilarating ups and demotivating downs to do what you’re the most passionate about better and better.

One of the most well-known TED talks in history is ‘The first 20 hours - how to learn anything,’ by writer Josh Kaufman. He tackled the issue of learning something new, having to overcome resistance, and giving up when we don’t quickly see the results that we want. All too often, we give up on new hobbies, leaving all the associated paraphernalia to gather dust in some dark corner of our closets.

Though it takes years and even decades of consistent effort to become a grandmaster at any skill, according to Kaufman, you can get relatively good at something fairly quickly. He pointed out that you can do this in around 20 hours. The best part is that it’s something you can fit into your busy schedule. “20 hours is doable—that’s about 45 minutes a day for about a month, even skipping a couple of days here and there,” the writer said.

According to Kaufman, you should first decide on the skill that you want to learn. Then, break it down into manageable chunks. After getting a handful of resources to help you learn, you should jump into the hard part—actually doing the thing. Sadly, many of us get stuck collecting resources that we’ll never end up using.

The odds are that you’re going to feel pretty silly or frustrated at first. But if you have a growth-centered mentality and embrace any mistakes you make as part of the learning process, things will be easier. Ideally, you want to get a skill level where you can recognize when you’re doing something wrong.

You should also do what you can to make learning the skill as easy as possible, whether you’re spending just 5 minutes per day (in between your job, studies, and chores) or you have a several-hour-long chunk of spare time. That means hiding your phone so you can focus on some deep work. Without interruptions. Without distractions.

Something else that helps is bundling your practice sections together with other enjoyable things. For instance, if you’re learning to draw, you could listen to your fave podcast or put on some funky music that you love in the background. 

“You will be astounded at how good you are,” writer Kaufman says that after doing something for at least 20 hours, you’ll have overcome the so-called ‘frustration barrier.’ Who knows, your side skill might turn into something you’re famous for around the globe fairly soon.