While faking it until you make it is a sure fire way to build confidence, in the real world skills matter. Posing is so 1985, and anyone who brags about being an amazing lawyer, hair dresser or cartoonist better be able to back it up with mad skills, or pay the price. Pickup up job skills along the way will make the task of succeeding all the easier.
Remember every accomplished engineer was once a confused student and many famous authors where once struggling English lit majors wondering what they were going to do with the rest of their lives. The answer did not come to them overnight, typically the path to successful people is paved with blood, sweat and tears.
Learn Discipline
In the 1993 movie Groundhog Day a weatherman finds himself caught in the vicious cycle of living the same day over and over. Only when he accepts his fate and uses that time advantage towards his personal growth does he progress. The same is essential to picking up job skills, the secret is discipline.
Individuals who call themselves writers must write. Artists must create. Fitness instructors must be able to practice what they preach. That process is as simple as disciplining one's self to do something every day. By learning that art of commitment and daily dedication, individuals will have a job skill that will translate across many careers and industries.
Be Curious
People watching is not only a fabulous hobby, it is also an excellent way to learn from the mistakes of others. Instead of being the center of attention in an office environment, try to kick back and watch how others behave. When you start to notice how your coworkers and managers you behave, you can start instantly mimicking those good behaviors and start avoiding the annoying one's immediately.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering is an amazing experience that will allow individuals to gain a new perspective, compassion and even new skills, all while helping a favorite cause. No matter if someone is an animal lover, avid reader, tree hugger or a people person, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities and truly committed individuals can use those moments to pick up new job skills.
For example, what if a person volunteered their time in an animal shelter. Aside from tending to the critters they can go a bit further by helping find homes for some of the potential pets. That process can involve photographing the animal, writing a description and posting it on multiple social media sites to get the word out. After the volunteer has helped place pets into a number of homes, using the means, they have just gained important marketing skills.
While some careers may offer an apprenticeship or training program, most positions require a job candidate to bring job skills to the table. Ultimately, the best way to pick up job skills includes opening one's mind to new experiences and being willing to test the waters.