It’s time to Start Learning New Tricks
We’ve all heard the cliché: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
In the 4th Quarter, that mindset is the fastest way to the sidelines and out of the game.
Because the reality is that the willingness to learn new skills is no longer optional if you want to continue to thrive.
It’s quickly becoming the difference between…
being in demand or being overlooked,
staying sharp and slowly fading into irrelevance.
And let me be clear, learning doesn’t mean going back to school full-time.
It can be as simple as picking up a new piece of technology, diving into an unfamiliar industry, or practicing a skill you’ve avoided because it felt uncomfortable.
Don’t know where to start?
Start small:
Spend 10 minutes a day experimenting with a new tool or app.
Take a webinar or workshop on something outside your comfort zone.
Shadow someone younger in your network and learn how they approach problems.
Pick one skill you’ve avoided, like public speaking, AI tools, or podcasting and commit to trying it.
Here are a few Free or Low-Cost Learning Resources:
LinkedIn Learning - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/start/welcome
LinkedIn Learning courses are great for professional skills (leadership, communication, technology).
Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free
Many courses are free if you audit (pay only if you want a certificate).
Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/
Completely free, lifelong learning platform. While often thought of for kids, their finance, math, and science content is excellent refreshers for adults, too.
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com
The world’s largest free classroom. Tutorials on everything you could possibly need.
Salesforce Tailhead - https://trailhead.salesforce.com/
A free, fun, Salesforce learning community. It is designed for all skill levels, covering topics and learning modules for all aspects of Salesforce from Admins and developers, to sales leaders and end users.
HubSpot Academy - https://academy.hubspot.com/
Free online training and certifications in inbound marketing, sales, and customer service. It provides self-paced courses, learning paths, and bootcamps. The platform focuses on digital marketing strategies, sales techniques, and customer service best practices, aiming to educate users on the HubSpot software and the broader inbound methodology.
Your Local Library
Call or visit your local library to see if they offer free access to Gale Courses, Udemy, or even language-learning platforms like Mango or Rosetta Stone.
Podcasts & Newsletters
Industry-specific podcasts and curated newsletters are an easy, no-cost way to stay sharp.
Meetup / Eventbrite
Free or low-cost local workshops, networking events, and skill-building sessions are great for combining learning with community.
Will it feel awkward?
Absolutely. That’s the point.
Discomfort is proof you’re stretching.
I’ve seen people in their 30s who already look outdated because they stopped learning after finishing school.
But I’ve also seen people in their 60s leading the pack because they stayed curious and kept adding tools to their belt.
So here’s the challenge: What new skill are you willing to learn this year?
Let’s play to win.
