Course Creators: If It Doesn't Work First Time Out Of The Gate, You Don't Just Give Up

Hello, brave course creators, welcome back! I trust you've now banished procrastination, overcome imposter syndrome, and are taking the e-learning world by storm... Right? Oh, you’ve hit a snag? Well, my friend, you've come to the right place.

Now, let's talk about failure, or as I like to call it, the unexpected detour on the road to success. Yes, you heard me right, detour, not dead-end. Because contrary to popular belief, failing does not mean it's time to pack up and go home. It's more like tripping on a loose shoelace; you retie it and keep going. Sure, you might have a bruised ego (and possibly a scraped knee), but you're not out of the race.

1. THE "FIRST PANCAKE" PHENOMENON

Any pancake aficionado will tell you, the first pancake often comes out a bit wonky. It might be too thick, too thin, or resemble a mysterious Rorschach inkblot rather than a fluffy breakfast delight. Similarly, your first course might not come out as expected. Too long, too short, or perhaps as enigmatic as that first pancake.

Solution:?Remember, you're just warming up the griddle. Learn from the first go-around, make adjustments, and get ready to pour the batter for your second, third, or tenth pancake. With each iteration, your courses will get better, and before you know it, you'll be flipping those educational pancakes like a pro.

2. EMBRACE THE "EDISON" MINDSET

When Thomas Edison was asked about his 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb, he famously said, "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps." That’s some enlightened thinking, isn't it? (Pun fully intended!)

Solution:?Every time something doesn't work, it's not a failure. It's one way you've discovered how not to do something. So, strap on your metaphorical lab coat and embrace the process of trial and error. Each step, whether it's forward or backward, is progress.

3. GETTING THE HANG OF THE "TARZAN" TECHNIQUE

Remember how Tarzan swung from vine to vine? He had to let go of one vine to grab the next. In course creation, you often need to let go of an idea, approach, or even an entire course to move on to the next.

Solution:?Don’t be afraid to pivot. If something isn't working, be ready to let it go and grab the next vine. Just make sure you're not swinging directly into a tree trunk.

4. UNDERSTANDING THE "POTTER" PRINCIPLE

No, I’m not talking about Harry Potter (though a little magic never hurt anyone). I’m referring to pottery. The first pot a potter throws may not be perfect. It might be lopsided, uneven, or have a hole at the bottom that makes it a terrible choice for a soup bowl.

Solution:?Like a potter, don't be afraid to squash the clay and start again. Each time you do, you'll get a little better, and eventually, you'll be creating pots (or in our case, courses) that are not just functional, but also fantastic.

In the world of course creation, failure is not a dirty word. It's a rite of passage. It's an essential part of the journey towards creating a course that resonates with your audience.

5. PRACTISE THE "PHOENIX" PARADIGM

The phoenix, a mythical bird, is known for rising from its own ashes. This creature is a great metaphor for course creators. If a course flops, it's not the end. Use the lessons learned from the ashes of the 'failed' course to build a new, improved one.

Solution:?If a course doesn’t work out, don't wallow in the ashes. Rise! Take the feedback, learn the lessons, and come back with a course that's more polished, more targeted, and more you.

6. HARNESS THE "ROCKY" RESILIENCE

Remember Rocky Balboa? The man got punched more times than a time clock in a factory, but he never gave up. In the end, his determination won him the title. Course creation can sometimes feel like a boxing match, but the key is to keep going, regardless of how many hits you take.

Solution:?Stay resilient. Every course creator faces challenges, but it's how you respond that makes the difference. Instead of throwing in the towel, come back swinging. And remember to cue 'Eye of the Tiger' for extra motivation.

7. ADOPT THE "PIRATE" PERSPECTIVE

Now, I'm not suggesting you start looting and pillaging (or talking like Jack Sparrow, though that could be fun). Pirates were known for their ability to navigate uncharted waters, and sometimes, course creation can feel like sailing on a sea without a map.

Solution:?Stay adaptable and ready to change course when needed. Embrace the uncertain seas and remember, every great explorer discovered new lands by venturing into the unknown.

In conclusion, course creators, remember: a stumble isn't a fall, and a fall isn't a failure. Each misstep is a step towards becoming a better, more effective educator. It's all part of the process.

So, dust off that chalk, straighten that metaphorical mortarboard, and get back in the game. If it doesn't work first time out of the gate, remember, you're in good company. Edison, Rocky, even the mythical phoenix—they all faced setbacks. But did they give up? No siree!

Now go on, and create that killer course. You've got this! And remember, in the game of course creation, we're all learning as we go along. Just watch out for those pesky loose shoelaces...

If you're stuck and not getting the results you want, then just book a call with me and we can bang heads together to get you going again :)

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