For a long time, I just took any job I could get. I didn’t think I had a choice. But everything changed when I started being intentional. I realized that the hard things I went through—my pain—could be turned into strength.
But here is the secret: You can’t stop there. You have to keep gaining skills your whole life.
Why Skill Building Matters I used to think that once you finished school, you were done learning. I was wrong! In my life, every new skill I learned opened a new door.
- Learning about suicide prevention led me to run the Fairbanks Wellness Coalition.
- Learning web design allowed me to start my own business.
- Learning auto maintenance gave me the confidence to be on the road alone.
Each skill is like a new tool in your “Outlaw” belt. The more tools you have, the less you have to depend on other people to take care of you. That is what I call Digital and Personal Sovereignty.
Don’t Just “Get a Job,” Build a Life If you have ADHD, Autism, or PTSD, your brain is actually very good at learning new things when you are interested in them! Don’t be afraid to try something new.
- What would you stand up for? That tells you what to learn about.
- What doesn’t feel like work? That tells you what you will be good at.
- If money were no object, what would you do? That tells you where to start.
When you keep learning, you stay fresh. You stay excited. You start living a life that feels like a daily adventure, not just a wait for the next vacation.
4. The “Outlaw Skill-Shelf” Exercise
Grab a piece of paper and draw a shelf with three empty spots.
- Spot 1: Write one thing you are already good at. (Celebrate it!)
- Spot 2: Write one thing you are learning right now. (Keep going!)
- Spot 3: Write one “Dream Skill” you want to learn this year (like coding, gardening, or a new language). Now, go to YouTube or a local class and spend just 10 minutes looking into that Dream Skill today. You’ve just started!
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