Do you know how to sew a button?
How prepared are you?
In a world where most of us have specialized knowledge about certain things, we often neglect to learn about other basic areas that can also affect us greatly. Knowing how to use a compass, cook some basic recipes, knowing how to sew a button, light a fire, stay fit, and keep a budget are all things that everybody should know about because they can either make your life a bit easier or, if disaster strikes, can save your life. Check out these 12 useful skills. Which ones do you already have?
Image: Mariah Hewines
1
Basic computer skills
An increasingly larger chunk of our world requires at least some basic form of digital literacy to interact with it. Knowing your way around a computer, your smartphone, and the Internet makes everything a little bit easier .
You don’t need to be a hacker or anything like that; just knowing the very basics allows us to access most of the advantages that modern technology provides.
Image: Christin Hume
2
Housekeeping skills
Living in a clean and comfortable environment is something that almost everyone can achieve with just a little bit of effort. Learn to use a vacuum cleaner, your washing machine, and the dishwasher, if you have it ; learn how to iron your clothes, make a bed, and clean your home.
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3
Navigation skills
The aforementioned basic computer and smartphone skills are a great aid in this department. But even if you have those incorporated, it is always a good idea to learn how to use a map and a compass. Ask for directions and memorize them . Just in case technology fails.
Image: Tabea Schimpf
4
Survival skills
Learn how to make a fire. Learn how to perform CPR and a Heimlich maneuver on adults, children, and infants. Learn to use a portable electricity generator. Learn a few basic knots. All of these abilities are very rarely used. But whenever you need them, you'd better know how to perform them correctly . Your life or someone else’s might depend on it.
Image: Courtnie Tosana
5
Time management
The best way to make time is to manage it correctly. Learn to set daily and weekly goals , prioritize your tasks and responsibilities, create to-do lists, and review your schedule periodically.
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6
Financial education
Track your money. Learn to check, build, and repair, if necessary, your credit score . Learn how to apply for a loan or a credit card. And hire or at least consult with a tax professional to make sure that you are doing your taxes correctly.
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7
Social skills
While it is true that some people are born with social skills, these can be learned by anyone . The ability to accept criticism in good spirit, the ability to have a productive conversation, patience, knowing how to speak clearly and succinctly, and knowing how to negotiate are all things that can be learned and add significant benefits to whoever acquires these skills.
Image: Chris Liverani
8
Fitness
Your body is your vessel. And it is the only one you are going to get for your life. Therefore, make sure to keep it as fit as possible . Strengthen your muscles and bones with activities that suit you. Learn how to stretch properly, learn bodyweight exercises, and look for ways to stay active at any age. A fit body will always get you farther.
Image: Emma Simpson
9
Healthy cooking
This one goes hand in hand with the previous item. Healthy cooking involves preparing nutritious and balanced meals. This is essential for maintaining good health and can be a fun and creative activity.
Learn some basic recipes that you can make at home, quickly, with a few ingredients, and you will never go hungry again.
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10
Learn to keep a budget
This one is related to the previous item regarding financial education, but on a more basic level. Keeping a good track of the money you earn and the money you spend helps you make ends meet and save more at the end of the month.
Create a spreadsheet and write down your expenses and your income, or use an app to help you do the same thing on your phone.
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11
Sew on a button
The constantly decreasing quality of clothing makes this simple skill all the more important as time goes by. Learn how to sew on a button. It is not difficult, and it will save you a trip to the tailor or having to ask somebody else for a very easy task.
Image: Merve Sehirli Nasir
12
Change a tire
If you drive a car, you should know how to change a tire. Yes, maybe you have an insurance service that can aid you, and maybe there is always someone around who can help until there is no service available and you are all alone.
Changing a tire is very simple, and there are techniques to do so with very little physical effort . Learn how to perform this simple task, and you will be much safer when driving a car.
Image: Wade Lambert
