Skill Stacking is a form of learning. It is by learning new skills without actually developing new skills. It combines two or more skills you already have and creating a new one out of it. And the best part; you don’t even have to be super good at the skills you already possess, but by combining them you can possibly do many more things than just one.

For example, you know the basics of knitting and you are average at connecting with people and you know how to speak clearly and slowly. Mix those skills together and voilá! Your new skill is teaching knitting! It is about making ordinary skills extraordinary by combining them into something unique!

So now that we have an idea of what skill stacking is, how can you utilize it in your everyday life? How can you make your basic life skills into something more out of this world?

Let´s take a more “everyday” example. You know how to cook basic and easy meals. You know how to clean, and you know how to look after children. If you combine them, you could be a babysitter for your siblings or be a babysitter for a part time job. It’s very simple.

But is this actually necessary? Do you have to have unique skills or anything like that?

Well, I don’t think it should be a priority. Of course, it´s nice if you know how to utilize all of your skills in your job or day-to-day life, but at the same time sometimes it´s better and/or more beneficial for you to master something completely. If you are a baker, you need to master how to make perfect dough every time. If you are a professional athlete, you need to master that sport (and you can rarely combine sports).

Also mastering something and knowing a skill almost completely will make you seem reliable in some situations, especially while looking for a job. If you have mastered a few computer programs, you are more likely to get hired.

My conclusion is that if you know how to skill stack, that´s amazing and very useful. But it´s not always necessary and it´s perfectly fine to just master one skill at a time. I personally have used skill stacking in my life as a camp counselor (well I was not an official counselor, but I have been in summer camps and helped with a lot of things). My leading skills and my ability to be patient and calm have helped me become a good counselor at camps for children. And it´s always very fun.