On being an Excel Guru

Today, I went to a class to learn more about Excel. If you know me, you will know that I am considered by many an Excel "guru". Sorry folks, I know a lot about Excel, but I don't know everything. I learned Excel by myself, usually by trial and error, and because I have a knack for picking up software quickly, I naturally learned a lot.

Today, I was reflecting how I learned Excel, and how in the past year and half, the learning curve has really curved upwards. I have learned a lot, especially since I have actual data to play with. I have expanded my horizons by learning about different kinds of formulas. I remember that one day I figured out how to do a complicated formula, and was almost in cartwheels. Learning complicated things like this is exciting, because it helps me to solve problems that I have been thinking about. (I know, I'm weird).

So, today, I was in a "Beyond the Basics - Excel" course. My collegue went to the "Excel Basics" course yesterday. When we signed up for these classes, I thought that the "Basics" course might be too easy for me. But after hearing what they learned, I should have gone. So, I picked up right where they left off and followed right along. I learned about pivot tables, macros, and some really neat tricks. All this while watching a guy doing all of this on a screen in front of us. We didn't have computers in front of us to try out the tricks, but we had a booklet that they gave us with the screen shots and notes inside.

My collegue, however, was feeling like she didn't learn anything today. Yesterday, she walked away from the class feeling like, "Hey, I think I can do this." Today, she had a headache from the overload of information coming at her. I walked away feeling like, "this is right up my alley. I can't wait to try it out."

No matter what your level is on whatever computer program, I encourage you to expand your horizons. It doesn't have to be on computer programs, but anything that you have an interest in and wanted to learn more. Take the opportunity when it comes your way. You will feel more informed.