Hello my friend and welcome back today! In today’s post we are going to talk about the importance of learning and practicing new skills. I am constantly amazed at how many people read about how to do something and yet never practice what they read to help set it in their memory. This is a recipe for disaster! Read, learn, practice and never stop! Just sit back and relax while we visit.
I read quite a few books when I was younger, but because I did not actually apply the knowledge by practicing it, the information was lost. It is a simple concept and yet many people just don’t get it. When you apply what you read or know, it helps you to reinforce it in your mind, so that when the time comes you will have the information you need.
Let me give you an example: I spent last weekend participating in what Ham Radio operators call “Winter Field Day”. Basically, we go out in the middle of a field and operate off of battery or generator power with our radios. The idea is to try to make as many contacts as you can in a 24 hour period. We do this two or three-time a year, at a minimum just to stay sharp and to reinforce how to do it. It also helps us to find better ways of doing things and work out any problems we may run across. It is a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun and well worth the effort! By doing it, we are assured that when the time comes and we have to be able to do it, we will be ready!
That was just one example, but I could give you many more examples ,like camping or hiking. You just need to practice what you learn and what you already know so you can stay sharp at it. I know, I always start the fire on my BBQ grill using a flint rod and dry wood. I could just use a match or a lighter, but by doing it this way, I stay in practice, so when the time comes and I have to start a fire without matches or a lighter, I can and it is very comforting to know that I can. If you are like me and you are constantly trying to learn new survival techniques, you should also take the time to practice what you learn. It is the only way to be sure that when the time comes, you will be ready! Well that is it for today, and I hope that you have enjoyed this post. I know it is a short one but the last few have been a little long-winded. I thought I would give you a break today. Until next time, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared! God Bless.
-The Sargent-
