In the vast world of online education, with literally millions of available courses, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As someone working in the online space—whether you’re running a platform like OstadBank or developing web-based businesses—finding the right training for your personal growth can be a game changer.
But how do you choose which courses to invest your time in? Here’s a simple, three-question framework that I’ve crafted for myself to streamline this process and make learning truly purposeful.
1. Identify a Current Challenge
First, ask yourself: Do I have a specific problem or challenge right now that I need education to solve? For example, if you need to run Google Ads for your site but you can’t afford to hire someone, that’s a clear and immediate need. You’d find a course on how to run Google Ads to address that challenge. Similarly, if you’ve run into an issue with international SEO and need to learn how to optimize your site globally, that’s another targeted learning goal. In other words, focus first on training that directly solves a pressing issue.
2. Deepen an Existing Skill Set
Next, ask: What knowledge do I already have that could be deepened to enhance my current capabilities? Maybe you already know SEO, but there’s a new technique or framework that could make you more efficient and effective. By diving deeper into a skill you already possess, you can open new doors and become even more proficient. This isn’t about solving a problem but about enriching what you already know to boost your productivity and potentially your financial returns.
3. Acquire a Completely New Skill Set
Finally, ask: What entirely new area of knowledge could create fresh opportunities for me? This is where you step outside your comfort zone. If you know nothing about a field like machine learning or a programming language like Flutter, and you see that learning it could unlock new revenue streams or growth paths, then that’s a worthy investment. It’s about adding brand-new tools to your toolbox that could lead to future innovation and income.
By asking these three questions—what problem do I need to solve right now, what existing knowledge can I deepen, and what entirely new skill can I learn—you can choose your educational path more strategically. This framework ensures that every course you take is aligned with your personal growth and business goals, helping you avoid random learning and focus on what will truly move you forward.
