Many people think learning a new skill, software or even language is very time consuming. So they don't start the journey to learn something new.

The reality is - learning is all around us and does NOT need to be very time consuming.

According to Malcolm Gladwell's book, "Outliers," you need to spend 10,000 hours on a skill to master it. However, every new skill does not need to be mastered to consider it learnt.

Say you want to learn Excel - if you take out 1 hour a week to learn two new formulas/features. In 1 month you will have learned 8 new features. In three months, you will have learned 24.

When you consistently allocate short periods of time to learning new things, you will see that your knowledge base increases very quickly!

We have more time than we think we do!

Here are a few ideas on how to maximize your time:

1. If you commute - download a podcast about the topic you're interested in. Use the commute and driving time to learn.

2. Work outs are great times to stimulate your brain. Consider downloading podcasts or informative documentaries to help your learning journey while getting your exercise in.

3. Chores can get boring. Make them entertaining by coupling them with your learning. If you are trying to learn a new language - schedule a conversational class at the same time.

Learning does not have to happen in front of a computer, in a classroom or from a textbook. With technology, learning is at our finger tips.

If you want to practice a new language - consider watching a show or news, reading a book or chatting with a friend in the new language. All of these activities can help you achieve your goal without feeling like you are learning.

Think outside the box! Learning is everywhere.

You have now learned that "I don't have time" is not an escape from learning something new!

Think about something you have wanted to learn but had been putting of? How can you put aside short periods of time every week to learn? What are unconventional ways you can learn this skill?

Now put it into action!