The Art of Starting Courses (and Not Finishing Them)

During COVID-19, a number of e-learning platforms offered courses for free, and at discounted prices, if you can remember. I not only enrolled in so many of them, but took an oath that I'd be the next president after learning every single thing from every single course that there is out in the world. What I overlooked is, that the courses weren't just available for loners like myself, but for everyone. Then, my social media was flooded with people bragging about their certificates of completion. I'd tell Sohan Haidear Bhai about how many people would post daily about completing the fundamentals of digital marketing course by Google Digital Garage, especially from the people who weren't even associated with the field of digital marketing.

Sorry, too much judgment.

Then, the unexpected happened. First, I wasn't able to complete every course that I enrolled in. Second, I didn't acquire every skill in the world. Third, I didn't become the president.

Starting courses and not finishing them - this is not a terminal illness.

But why does this happen? Well, it's not due to a lack of intention or desire to learn. It's often due to the overestimation of one’s capacity and the underestimation of the time and effort each course requires. Additionally, the modern lifestyle, with its incessant distractions and demands, doesn't make it any easier.

The allure is understandable. Each course represents a potential new skill, a new opportunity, or even a new career path. The excitement of starting something new is like the first few pages of a novel, where every possibility is fresh and enticing. But just like novels, not all courses keep us engaged till the end.

So, how do we tackle this syndrome? First, we need to acknowledge that it's okay not to finish every course. Our interests and priorities change, and that's perfectly natural. Secondly, we should practice mindful enrollment. This means taking a moment to assess whether we have the time, energy, and genuine interest to commit to a course before clicking that 'enroll' button.

Moreover, setting realistic goals can make a huge difference. Instead of aiming to become an expert overnight, we can focus on incremental learning. Maybe completing one chapter a week or one course a month. Remember, learning is not a race; it's a journey.

And lastly, let's not get disheartened by the certificates and achievements others flaunt on social media. Learning is a personal journey, not a competition. Some might seek validation through certificates, while for others, the knowledge itself is the reward.

In conclusion, if you're a fellow course collector, know that you're not alone. It's a sign of your curiosity and eagerness to grow. The key is to channel this enthusiasm into a more focused and manageable approach. So, the next time you find an interesting course, take a pause, reflect, and then decide if you’re really ready to hit 'enroll.' Happy learning!