25 “Impressive” Skills That You Can Learn In A Few Hours

Posted by , Updated on November 15, 2023

Whether it’s building a computer or parallel parking, there are some skills that look so impressive it seems impossible to learn them. But that isn’t true at all! Today, we’re going to show you how you can learn some things that seemed to be out of reach before. These are 25 “Impressive” Skills That You Can Learn In A Few Hours.

25

Fixing 90% of computer problems

question markImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

Google can actually help you solve most of your own computer problems in relatively short period of time. Not only will you impress yourself, you’ll also save some money. 

Tip: there really isn’t any secret here; it just takes persistence and the belief that you are capable of figuring things out, even if they seem intimidating. Keep googling until you find something. Then google that until you find something else. If you really can’t find the answer after a while though, ask your nerdiest friend to help you out. We guarantee you that the first thing they do is…google it.

24

Preparing a basic meal...and making it look good!

omeletteImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

You would assume that most cooking is just following directions. However, for some people with no experience in the kitchen, even something “simple” might prove to be a challenge. 

The key here is to start with easy recipes and give yourself time so you’re not rushed. Instead of starting out with chicken cacciatore and creamed veggies, try making your loved one a cheese omelette. Once you are comfortable there, throw in some bacon and veggies with that cheese. Where does the “impressive” part come in? Place the omelette on a plate and decorate it with a few ripe fruits or some leafy greens (like the arugula in the picture). Presentation is key.

Looking for more good starter recipes? Check out 25 Yummy Slow-Cooker Recipes To Help Dinner Go Smoother & 25 Recipes That You Can Make Using Fruits And Veggies From Your Garden.

23

Tearing an apple in half with your hands

appleImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

You basically just pull it apart. It works with bananas too.

Take a look at our list and Youtube video, 25 Clever Tricks To Impress Your Friends That Are Simple To Do, which includes this “trick.” After you watch the video, be sure to subscribe!

22

Solving a Rubiks Cube

rubiks cubeImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

You just have to memorize the algorithms

 

21

Sewing

sewingImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

You just follow instructions. Once you master the basic technique, start with something simple like a pillow case or a button. Then you can move up from there. 

20

Dressing well

suitImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

Looking to update your look? While you won’t necessarily dress like a pro in just a few hours, you can make significant progress just by being observant. This is the one place it’s alright to plagiarize. So…copy people. Not sure where to start? People watching or spending time on Pinterest are great ideas. Just…keep it simple.

19

Building a PC

pcImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

While it may sound impossible, if you can play with legos, you can build a computer

18

Knowing constellations and stars

starsImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

There are even apps to help you memorize this.

17

Riffle shuffle

cardsImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

It’s actually pretty easy and makes you look like a card master.

16

Flipping eggs in a frying pan

eggsImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

Do you already have cooking basics down? Are you ready to step it up a notch? Although it’s still relatively easy to do, it’ll make you look like a master chef.

15

Changing a car tire

tireImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

This one only sounds intimidating. It’s a lot easier than most might think. Basically, you just jack the car up, take the old tire off, and put the new tire on. You can find more detailed instructions and plenty of videos by using your favorite search engine. 

 

14

Playing Scales, Chords, or a Song on the Guitar

playing guitarImage: pixabay.com (public domain)

Most complicated things can be broken down into simpler steps. The guitar is no exception. While playing the guitar takes a lifetime to master, you can learn a small portion of what there is to know in a few hours at a time.

In western music, the scale only has 12 notes. Those 12 notes combine to form a limited number of scales and chords; you can spend a few hours learning a few of these scales and chords at a time.

While that seems tedious and long, just keep in mind that pop music almost by definition only relies on between 4 and 8 of those chords (per scale). So on a guitar, you basically only need to know a few hand positions to play the majority of songs. Take a few hours to learn those chords, and then next time, take a few hours and learn a full song. 

13

Jump starting a battery

CrocodileClamponBatteryImage: wikimedia commons (public domain)

You just connect the wires and make sure the terminals match up.

Hint: red is typically on positive and black on negative. Also, the black wire on your car should be grounded. This means that the black wire should only be connected to the negative terminal of the functioning vehicle. On your own vehicle, it should be connected to an unpainted metal surface. Please see the link above for a more detailed explanation.

12

Magic tricks

cardsImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

You can easily google a few simple ones, especially tricks involving cards, and all of a sudden, everyone’s impressed.

11

Origami

origamiImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

This is a classic skill that most people find impressive. Origami, by definition, is just folding paper; you just have to learn how to fold the paper. As with many other things on this list, it’s basically just following directions.

10

Juggling

jugglingImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

You can learn the basics in about 2 hours.

9

Programming

computerImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

Given the open nature of the internet these days, you’d be surprised at how easy it is to get started on learning to code. You could easily throw together your own basic website in under a day.

Tip: try starting off at codeacademy. It’s free, comprehensive, and simple enough that you should be able to follow along with no background knowledge whatsoever.

8

Changing your oil

oilImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

It shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes, and it is almost certainly cheaper.

7

Soldering

solderingImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

You can learn this in 5 minutes on youtube or wikihow.

6

Driving a stick shift

manualImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

It takes some practice to do it smoothly, but the basics can be learned in an afternoon. Just don’t panic in traffic. (Actually, it’s not a bad idea to start in an empty parking lot or in your neighborhood when there’s not a lot of traffic.) 

5

Basic photography

cameraImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

You won’t be a pro, but if you learn some basic composition, you’ll be able to take some pretty decent pictures with your phone.

4

Using chopsticks

Chopsticks_with_broccoli

If you can use a pencil, you can definitely use chopsticks. Like using a pencil for the first time, there is a bit of coordination to it, so you’ll need to practice. This is why was say it will take you a few hours. 

3

Lock picking

lockImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

You can learn how to pick a standard lock in an afternoon.

2

Photoshop

photoshopImage: https://pixabay.com (public domain)

Once again, google to the rescue. It’s not really that hard.

Tip: learning photoshop is just like any other skill on this list. It will take some time, so don’t give up. And make sure to learn from multiple sources. Watch youtube videos, read articles, and maybe even go pick up a book at the book store.

1

Parallel Parking

Parallel_parkingImage: wikimedia commons (public domain)

If you’ve been driving for a few years, it’s easy to take this skill for granted. What’s NOT easy to take for granted? The ability to parallel park! There are people out there (we aren’t judging!) that will park farther away from their destination or get a friend to drive just so that they don’t have to parallel park. If this is you, give yourself an afternoon and some patience and go practice