I pick some technology that has the following characteristics:<p>- A complete paradigm shift. I want something that will force me to rethink how I approach problems. I want to force my brain to develop new pathways, so to speak.<p>- Something will at least a minimum of documentation and community online. I&#x27;ve had to abandon dreams of learning some really awesome language before (ATS) because there was simply no resources and that would make my progress too slow.<p>- Something that could be fun to use in a side project. I need to be able to find occasions to use it. I learn best by <i>doing</i> rather than by only reading. If I can&#x27;t think of an application, then I won&#x27;t be able to become proficient, so I&#x27;d rather learn something else.<p>- And finally, it has to be something fun that feels like falling in love with programming all over again.<p>EDIT: I usually don&#x27;t pick more than 1 technology to REALLY LEARN per year, so I don&#x27;t make these decisions lightly.