Now that 2016 is just about ending, it’s time to think about how we can better ourselves in the coming year. For example, where could we learn skills online?
Below, I’ve provided 4 places you can. Instead of sticking to the old used up new year’s resolutions that you never keep, you may want to consider taking a few courses. Though you can find many free of cost, it may be worth it to lay down some cash for the right course. After all, the best investment is in yourself. Make 2017 the year you become the best version of yourself and become an expert and learn skills online. Remember, dabbling doesn’t equate to long term success!
Kwik Learning
While I had always thought about taking a speed reading course, I’d never quite followed through on that goal. I first heard about Jim Kwik on the Fat Burning Man podcast with Abel James. Jim is an expert on memory improvement, speed reading, and optimizing brain performance. He was talking about a couple tips and tricks that we can all do to increase our words read per minute while retaining the content in our minds.
Needless to say, I was impressed. I immediately went onto kwiklearning.com and paid about $400 for his course, it was worth every penny. I went from reading 2-3 books last year to reading 20 this year! His methods will no doubt make your reading techniques more effective. Tips like using your finger while reading and holding the book in a certain way have made all the difference. I have no regrets in the time and money I spent on his site. In addition to speed reading at KwikLearning, he offers math and memory courses as well.
Lynda
Lynda.com is a membership site that is predominately focused on the area of Information Technology. They specialize in software development, design, business, web development, and photography. If you’re looking to learn Adobe Photoshop or improve your skills in Microsoft Excel, this may be the right place for you. Lynda offers a 10 day free trial, as well as a basic and premium option.
Basic is currently running at $19.99 per month, while the premium costs $29.99 per month. While you can cancel at any time, this is a small price to pay to learn a new skill. Lynda differentiates itself from it’s competitors because their courses are taught by industry experts. Rather than learning from a random YouTube video, a few less lattes a month can help afford this value adding site.
Udemy
Udemy offers a wide array of courses ranging from an even wider array of subjects. From business to health or music to personal development, you can find something relevant to your needs. Udemy is very affordable as you’ll find courses for under $20 with no monthly membership fee.
On a side note, if you’re ever interested in selling an online course of your own, this site is a great place to test demand for your product. Learn a language or prep for a test on Udemy. It’s a site that allows you to garner the skills to get a new job or to simply follow a passion. Who said learning just can’t be for fun?
One very effective way to learn something at a higher level is to teach it. If you’re interested in doing so, Udemy can be a great place to instruct. In their own words, monetize and share your expertise. There’s nothing wrong with making a little money while helping others.
Khan Academy
I can’t begin to explain the value of the Khan Academy, as they are a pioneer to the online course industry. Their founder, Sal Khan found his vision in creating videos as a tool in tutoring his younger family members. It’s grown into a resource that is completely free.
The website offers math, computing, business, arts and humanities, and science lessons. It’s financial literacy section is up and coming, as it’s gained much needed support from Bank of America. Sal has openly spoken about his project to ultimately act as an alternative to traditional education. As technology gets better and better, I think we will see this as a very possible reality. Personally, I’ve made a challenge to myself to take all of the financial lessons offered by them. Even though I’m an industry professional, it never hurts to get back to basics.
All in all, the sites in this post will contribute to 2017 being the best year you’ve ever had. Commit to self improvement, as you gain the tools you need to be the best you can be for yourself and your family.
As I describe in my post about reverse engineering your success, decide what type of person you want to be and the skills you need to become that person will follow. These online resources hold the information needed for you to unlock your potential. Put in the time for things that matter. As Jim Rohn said, “Don’t major in minor things.”
