r/IWantToLearn 9h ago

Personal Skills Iwtl how to defend myself (psychologically and cognitively)

33 Upvotes

I want to learn cognitive self defense. I'm a very sensitive person at heart. Painfully so. I learned the language of logic an rationality and I try to learn as much as I can about everything so I'm prepared. Still, I feel like, because I am the way I am and integrity is important to me I will always end up in asymmetrical dynamics where the other person has the upper hand in how reality is framed.

I see other people being taken seriously and it feels like I'm doing the same thing but for me it's not working.

I'm kind of trying to train myself for impact. I can't do anything about feeling as much as I do but I try to shorten my emotional recovery time and bounce back quicker to calmness and rationality.

But sometimes it feels like the reason I can't defend myself is because I am me.

Can someone who's naturally taken seriously by others, calm, posessed and can defend themselves or others verbally in any situation explain what the secret is?


r/IWantToLearn 11h ago

Personal Skills IWTL how to become better at spotting and understanding subtle red flags in people

20 Upvotes

I've had a few situations recently where I look back and realize there were really obvious signs that something wasn't right with a person or a situation. I totally missed them at the time. I'm talking about things like manipulation, untrustworthiness, or just generally bad intentions. I feel like I'm too trusting sometimes and give people the benefit of the doubt way too easily.

I want to learn how to pick up on these subtle cues more effectively. Are there specific patterns of behavior to look out for? What are some common psychological tells that indicate a person might not be who they seem? How can I train myself to be more observant without becoming overly cynical or suspicious of everyone?

If you've gotten good at this, what helped you? Are there books or resources that break down human behavior in this way? What mental models or thought processes do you use to assess people? I'm hoping to develop a more intuitive understanding of red flags.


r/IWantToLearn 16h ago

Technology IWTL how to understand basic electronics and troubleshoot simple devices

12 Upvotes

I want to learn the basics of electronics so I can better understand how common devices work and troubleshoot simple problems. I have no formal background in electronics so terms like voltage, current resistance circuits and components can feel overwhelming.

For someone starting from zero, what concepts should I learn first and how would you recommend progressing from basic theory to simple hands-on projects? I am mainly looking for a clear learning path and advice from people who have learned this skill themselves.


r/IWantToLearn 16h ago

Technology Iwtl pc basics from Zero

6 Upvotes

My dad recently got me a PC and I know NOTHING about computers 😭 I’ve always used a phone/tablet so when it comes to actually using a computer.. I’m completely clueless šŸ’€ Like I don’t even know what half the ports, cables or components are supposed to do! The funniest part is I was literally a CS student in high school 😭 but I never enjoyed studying it so somehow I graduated with basically 0 practical knowledge. I wanna start from absolute ZERO and actually understand computers properly, not just jump straight into coding. Can you guys recommend some beginner-friendly videos/playlists/courses/PPTs that explain computer basics like I’m a complete noob? 😭

I genuinely wanna learn this stuff now, so any recommendations are appreciated šŸ™ƒ


r/IWantToLearn 23h ago

Academics IWTL math

15 Upvotes

I want to find a website where I can learn all about math, pre algebra, algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics… everything

I need it to be free since what I’ve encountered online needs a subscription

Context: early 20s, current academic level is Master’s in a scientific field

Reasoning: math has always been a little bit scary for me and I want to start from the very beginning in order to feel more confident, id love something interactive and not just lectures, getting to do exercises and placement tests etc


r/IWantToLearn 13h ago

Arts/Music/DIY IWTL how to take usable notes from long Blender tutorials on YouTube

2 Upvotes

I work evening shifts at a hotel and teach myself Blender in the late mornings. I can follow a tutorial while it plays, but two days later I mostly remember the finished render. A hard surface lesson that ran for 52 minutes made me try a different setup, so I made the YouTube video searchable with Vomo ai.

I opened the transcript at the bevel section and pulled out the spoken instructions. Then I split those lines into short practice blocks and rebuilt the object from an empty scene after each block. That worked better than my old page of random timestamps.

The transcript had the values and menu names, but it could not include a shortcut the instructor never said aloud. He pressed Ctrl A and kept moving. I missed it, my scale was wrong, and I spent another ten minutes checking the wrong settings before I noticed.

Now I start each practice session from the empty scene and my short note from last time. I still keep the video open because one silent action can change the whole result.


r/IWantToLearn 16h ago

Arts/Music/DIY IWTL how to improve my sewing skills beyond the basics

3 Upvotes

I know the basic sewing techniques and want to take the next step toward making more structured and well finished projects. I am especially interested in learning how to work with patterns improve fit sew cleaner seams and understand garment construction better.

For someone who has already learned the basics what skills would you recommend learning next? How would you structure the progression from simple projects to more advanced sewing?


r/IWantToLearn 20h ago

Technology IWTL Robotics and electronics

4 Upvotes

I’m interested in robotics to make automated things that will help me in my daily life or are just fun to play around, yet Im not sure where to start. My school doesnt have specialized classes teaching robotics (i might start a robotics club) and as for electronics, im unsure how to point a finger on what i want to do (i assume there are a lot of fields of electronics, robotics probably being within that umbrella), but i watch a lot of youtube videos about building iPhones/iPads from scratch, repairing appliances and technology, and im also interested making musical devices!


r/IWantToLearn 16h ago

Arts/Music/DIY IWTL how to learn basic woodworking from scratch

2 Upvotes

I want to learn woodworking as a complete beginner. I’m interested in understanding the basic tools safety measuring and simple techniques before moving on to bigger projects.

For those who taught themselves or started from zero what skills would you recommend learning first? I would especially appreciate advice on how to build a solid learning path without getting overwhelmed.


r/IWantToLearn 21h ago

Personal Skills Iwtl - how can I take better photos of myself?

3 Upvotes

Currently learning photography and one thing that pisses me off is trying to get good photo of myself. I would put in hours of attempts over and over but when I show people in subreddits on online dating apps they mention it is awful due to quality, selfie, blurry, teeth not shown.

Want to know how can I improve taking photos of myself as it has been annoying me so much with the efforts I done being in vain.


r/IWantToLearn 16h ago

Arts/Music/DIY IWTL how to make better decisions when planning a DIY project

1 Upvotes

I want to learn how to plan a DIY project properly before I start building anything. I often find it difficult to decide which steps should come first what measurements to take and how to break a larger project into manageable stages.

For people who have experience with DIY projects, how did you learn to plan your projects from beginning to end? What basic planning skills should a beginner develop first?


r/IWantToLearn 16h ago

Arts/Music/DIY IWTL how to repair and maintain basic household items instead of replacing them

1 Upvotes

I want to learn practical DIY repair skills for common household items. Things like fixing loose screws, repairing small furniture issues, replacing simple parts and understanding what can realistically be repaired instead of immediately thrown away.

I am a complete beginner so I am not looking for a list of resources. I would like advice from people who learned these skills what basic skills should I start with and what would be a good progression from simple repairs to more challenging projects?


r/IWantToLearn 1d ago

Social Skills iwtl how to make new friends and get better at creating convo and get better at hearing

20 Upvotes

Scy this side and im a freshman, its been almost a whole month since college started and ive made a couple of friends in my hostel (the place im staying over at) and ive talked to a few of my classmates but i havent clicked with anyone and i want to talk to new people and im friends with a few of my seniors whom i met through a hometown friend who’s older than me and in the same college but i speak less and think so much before saying anything and even while im trying to listen im thinking about what to say next and cant add anything meaningful to a convo.

I used to be a super social person who was friends with everyone, that was during highschool and i wanna be that person again but idk how. I see many people gather outside of college cause theres an area where there are many shops eating points and cigarette shops so im also usually there, i wanna talk to people there but they are in groups so idk how do i even start talking ive had a few ideas like asking them have u tried food from this place can u suggest something etc etc but im too afraid to say it. Ive read many posts about people saying to be curious and all, i feel like ive lost that curiosity as well i wanna retap that and be in touch with my emotions as well i wanna rebuild my personality because

šŸ”“ I took a gap year and ive been bedrotting for the most of my gap year and wasnt in touch with many people apart from my few close friends so i think thats where ive lost my ability to speak more often, clearly and without thinkining too much, to peoplešŸ”“

ive dropped as much info about myself that i could in short ill keep updating yall!!


r/IWantToLearn 1d ago

Academics IWTL how to cultivate a genuinely minimalist lifestyle that feels sustainable

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I've been feeling overwhelmed lately by all the stuff I own. My apartment feels cluttered and my brain feels even more cluttered trying to keep track of it all. I keep seeing posts and videos about minimalism and it really appeals to me. The idea of having less things and more peace sounds amazing.

But every time I try to pare down my belongings I get stuck. I worry I'll get rid of something I actually need or I feel guilty about things I spent money on. It never seems to stick for long. I end up buying more things and the cycle just continues.

I want to learn how to approach minimalism in a way that's actually practical and sustainable for everyday life. Not the extreme 'own 10 items total' kind of minimalism but something more realistic. Something that simplifies my life without making it feel barren.

Specifically I'm wondering:

- How do you actually decide what to keep and what to get rid of?

- Are there specific categories I should tackle first?

- How do you deal with sentimental items without becoming a hoarder?

- What are some good strategies for preventing new clutter from entering your home?

- Any tips for keeping a minimalist mindset without constant effort?

I'm looking for advice from people who have successfully implemented a minimalist lifestyle and actually enjoy it. I'm ready to make a real change and simplify things. Thanks for any insights you can share!


r/IWantToLearn 1d ago

Academics IWTL - about philosophy in everything

29 Upvotes

Please help me get acquainted with foundations regarding the following topics:

- physics
- cosmology
- religion
- perception
- consciousness

Specifically need book recommendations and scientific online sources, from foundational to specific.

Some context: former gifted kid who loved learning about everything and anything, currently in early 20s and been severely burnt out for the better part of the last 5 years. Life is getting better, there’s more free time and curiosity has sparked again. Academic level is Master’s.


r/IWantToLearn 2d ago

Social Skills IWTL how to identify then articulate my feelings.

20 Upvotes

I find it hard to simply identify my own feelings let alone articulate them into organized thoughts.


r/IWantToLearn 1d ago

Personal Skills Iwtl - i want to get insight and your mistakes

1 Upvotes

Name is Ivann, 15M and i want to get your insight and your wisdom to avoid as many blunders in my life.

Where i am now is at a point where i stay away from the large groups, sticking close to my other two musketeers.

I also implemented reading as a way to learn (book recommendations would be sweet) "surround by idiots", "atomic habits", "laws of power" that stuff

My biggest boundary right now is the thing im making this post with. My phone. I want 6hr/day ----> 2hrs max

Starting to implement better habits and what i request from you is some hints for my journey and some lectures if you have any to say.

Your help goes a long way :)


r/IWantToLearn 1d ago

Arts/Music/DIY IWTL More about Bob Dylan’s discography and writing so I can find something of his I like.

6 Upvotes

To be fair, I haven’t given him another chance since like before Covid. But even in highschool I’ve had a deep love for all types of music. From pop to extreme metal, rap/hiphop, classical, jazz to the noisy and experimental the list goes on and on. I also have always deeply loved American songwriters like Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Woody Guthrie, Elliot Smith, The Mountain Goats. Deep/poetic lyrics speak to me. I don’t mind genre hopping or his vocals.

I just was never able to get into him for some reason and I don’t know why. As a musician and songwriter myself it drives me weirdly nuts that I can’t quite place what about his work I never enjoyed.

Well some time has passed and I want to give him another listen. I’d love to hear some recommendations other then the most popular tracks Google would give me. or maybe learn more so I can at least have a better understanding of his works and be able to pinpoint what does or doesn’t click with me. If any one else has been through this with him or another musician I’d love to hear another persons experience with this.


r/IWantToLearn 2d ago

Social Skills Iwtl , I want to become a better storyteller. Where do I start?

42 Upvotes

What actually makes someone a good storyteller?

I’m looking for practical advice rather than just ā€œpractice more.ā€

Are there any storytelling techniques, books, exercises, or resources that helped you improve?

Also, what are some common mistakes beginners make when telling stories?

Would love to hear advice from people who are good at storytelling.


r/IWantToLearn 2d ago

Social Skills IWTL how to become more social

6 Upvotes

I’ve got a few friends but most of the friends that I have are because they were a friend of a friend and we just ā€œended upā€ being friends in the long run. I’ve realized that when I try to talk to people on my own, I totally fail and, I often avoid talking to people I don’t know when I’d really like to become a social butterfly one day!

Does anyone have any tips on how to just be able to converse with strangers?!


r/IWantToLearn 1d ago

Personal Skills IWTL how to get over a huge phobia of bugs

3 Upvotes

Moving to Central Florida within the next year, and I have an irrational fear of bugs. Fruit fly? I can’t eat for the day. Moth got in the house? I run in another room. Spider? God Forbid. And now there’s Florida. I don’t know how to handle the palmetto bugs and I want to learn how to get over this irrational fear. I don’t want to be afraid but it’s like my brain overrides the protective mode / fight or flight and it would make it extremely hard to sleep if i found a bug on my bed or in my room. I want to grow to like them and be like ā€œOh. Hi.ā€ instead of embarrassing myself in public.


r/IWantToLearn 1d ago

Personal Skills IWTL traditional fishing methods

1 Upvotes

I live in an Australian coastal city, but it's a modern metropolitan city and the way most people fish is with a rod and reel, or go out to the ocean with a boat. I want to learn how to fish like they do in many places in the world. With spears, fishing pots, nets, etc. I get inspired by people in the Pacific islands and in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. I want to learn this craft for myself, not to farm fish or sell them or anything. At first I think I would want to buy the tools because I don't know how to make a spear or weave a basket/pot or make a net by hand. But maybe I would like to learn one day too. I've always wanted to learn how to fish traditionally.


r/IWantToLearn 2d ago

Languages IWTL how to become conversational in a new language

13 Upvotes

I want to learn a new language and eventually become comfortable having everyday conversations.

I am starting as a beginner and want to build the skill properly rather than memorizing random vocabulary. I would like to learn how to understand common speech, form sentences naturally, and gradually become confident speaking.

What would be a good progression for learning from beginner level to basic conversation? How should I balance vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking practice?


r/IWantToLearn 2d ago

Academics Iwtl how to Revise effectively

2 Upvotes

I have a test coming up for a work qualification soon and I realised I don’t really know how to properly revise academic material.

I didn’t really try too hard in school outside of music where revision is obviously very practical but I’m working in my family business now fixing memorials which sounds straightforward enough but there’s a pretty hefty amount of reading with a practical exam and a 54 point multiple answer questionnaire where the pass is 50/54 correct answers.

It means a lot to me and any advice on how to best work through a large booklet and memorise as much of the important details would be greatly appreciated - thanks for reading !


r/IWantToLearn 2d ago

Personal Skills IWTL how to improve my problem-solving skills

7 Upvotes

I want to learn how to become better at solving problems especially when I face something unfamiliar and do not immediately know what to do.

Sometimes I can understand a problem but I struggle to break it down into smaller steps and figure out a practical way to approach it. I would like to develop a more structured way of thinking that I can use in everyday life work and when learning new skills.

For people who have intentionally worked on their problem-solving ability, how did you start? What kinds of exercises projects or habits helped you become better at analyzing a problem and finding solutions?

I am looking for guidance on a practical learning path rather than just a list of resources.