Sketch... learn to paint with watercolours and pastels

I’d definitely like to improve my sketching and painting skills one of these days, but it’s just not a top priority now. However, I hope by putting it on my list I’ll find time to devote to it someday. I’ve read that if one wants to improve their sketching skills, they should sketch something (anything) daily. Which reminds me…that tip came out of a sketching instruction book I have that is buried in a drawer somewhere. Maybe if I put the book on a shelf where it’s visible, I’d be tempted to look at it more often…which may in turn prompt me to sketch! :)
I don’t have much experience with watercolors, but I love working with pastels—mainly chalk pastels. If you’ve never used them, you should! Thery’re easy to use and easy to clean up.
Well, that’s my “2 cents.” How are the rest of you doing on this goal?