How to finish online courses
I have created 31 courses (75+ hours of content) plus 150+ hours of content on YouTube.
And I have also covered (not completed) 400+ online courses.
I teach at Fortune 100 companies, Investment Banking Firms, Big 4, Big 3 and IIM ABCLK.
Online courses are fantastic — and like a box of chocolates — they come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, the chocolate analogy extends even further — and the ROI you get from the course is unpredictable.
Some suggestions:
Audit courses:
Audit the course — see the teaching style and the content — before you decide to pursue it.
Quit the course if you do not like it:
I understand you have already spent money. But if it is not giving you the learning you need — no point wasting time on it.
Do not be a completionist:
Every course is not meant to be completed. You can always leave it midway.
Redundancy is good:
Watch the same lecture a few times before going forward. Also the same topic done in different courses gives you different perspective.
Go slower than usual:
One of the first tips given to amateur long-distance runners is to run slower than you think you should. Ditto for courses.
Fiddle with the speed setting:
Try to slow down or increase speed as required.
Do not leave the difficult topics hanging:
If something is important — do not think you will come back to it later. We seldom do.
Do not underestimate the power of small sittings:
10–15 minutes spare time here and there can be used to watch an easy lecture. And this adds up over time.
Do sprints:
There are bad ways (when nothing seems to click) and good ways (when you are on a learning spree). We all have bad days. Make the most of the good ones.
List down achievements:
Zig Ziglar said “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily.”
We all need a self-pat on the back.
Note down the number of hours. When you look back after a month — you will be super happy — and that will motivate you further.
Reward yourself:
Completing a course is a big accomplishment. Remember — a slow walk is still faster than sitting on the couch.
(Please) take notes:
We remember less than we think we will. Note down everything important. It also reinforces your learning.
Explain your learning to others:
The best way to know how clear your concepts are is to explain it to someone else. It also gives you an opportunity to articulate your thoughts.
Share your work:
Ideas and learning are worth nothing if they are lying in a basement. Share your work on LinkedIn / YouTube / GitHub / directly to connections for their feedback.
Beat deadlines:
Do not look at peers and feel content that you are matching their pace. Be aggressive and surpass them. Being competitive is good.
Be humble:
If you are in the area of data / technology — you are a life-long learner and you have to like to be a part of the global community.
Hubris is very, very bad.
Always be curious, learn from everyone and constantly challenge yourself.
Most importantly — remember that learning should be a pleasure — not a chore.
