If you're interested in learning something, you probably already realize that not only can you dive infinitely deep into any subject, but there is also a limitless number of people, institutions, books, and e-learning platforms offering great resources. However, with so many options available, the challenge often lies in choosing the right one.

It’s exciting to feel that thrill when you're about to start something you like, but in today’s world, having so many choices can sometimes be more of a hassle than a benefit. For each skill you want to learn, you'll find various options that differ in curricula, teachers, methods, duration, types of certification, and prices. Deciding where to start can feel like a process in itself.

While there's a saying that knowledge doesn’t take up space—which you may or may not agree with—one undeniable truth is that learning takes time. So, if you're embarking on a learning journey, it’s important to choose a path that will help you achieve your goals.

My goal here is to help you kickstart this journey, so let’s dive in!

Figure Out What You Want to Accomplish

The very first step in tackling a learning challenge is to define what it is you want to accomplish. Like any project, it’s easy to stray from the original path and get distracted.

Identifying your objective will simplify things significantly. Whether your motivation is simply to learn something new, read an author’s work, watch a class by someone you admire, start a project, or acquire a missing skill, being clear on your goal will make it easier to find the right resources.

Do You Want to Learn or Execute?

Sometimes, we have an idea we want to kick off, but we feel—or acknowledge—that we're missing some tools. Although today’s tools make it easier than ever to overcome these gaps, it’s still a valid concern.

However, if you're more interested in applying concepts to a specific project, I’d advise against embarking on a lengthy course or book that takes hours to get to what you need. Instead, start with what you have and learn as you go.

Some might disagree, but skipping chapters or modules isn't a trick or shortcut—it’s actually a smart way to get exactly what you need. Let’s be honest: with all the existing information and everything that’s created every minute, it’s impossible to know everything about anything. Once you accept that, it’s easier to pick what you need and move forward.

Can’t Find the Right Online Course?

I get it—there are so many options! However, if you start by filtering out the people whose main achievement is selling courses, you’ll likely narrow down your options significantly.

Remember when you went to college, and there was someone teaching something they had never actually done? Back then, you had to pass that class, but now you have the choice—don’t waste it!

Always look for teachers or institutions you trust and that have proven methods. Many people learn a few things online and feel ready to start teaching, but that’s not where you want to invest your time.

Do some research on reputable places to learn the specific skill you’re interested in. For work-related topics, Coursera is well-recognized. It might not be as cheap as Udemy, but remember—free or cheap often comes with hidden costs.

Making the Final Decision

Once you’ve set your goals and gathered a few options that seem like good investments of your time and money, it’s time to make a decision.

If you have more than one option, take a deep dive into the content of each program and assess which one covers more of what you need. If both are equally good but differ in content, you might as well start with the shortest or least expensive option. That way, you can begin learning at a lower cost, and if you still want more, you always have the option to start another course.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, most people are more interested in applying a skill than in growing it just for the love of learning. And even if passion drives you, the best way to learn is by doing. So, consider finding an experiment, exercise, challenge, or personal project to accompany your learning journey and build your experience.

I'm curious to know—what’s the best course you've ever completed? I’d love to check it out!