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  1. Home
  2. Self Improvement Courses

Self Improvement Courses

What is self-improvement?


Self-improvement is an approach to living life that aims to develop a human’s potential. It’s based on the idea that we can change ourselves for the better by reflecting on our thoughts and behaviours, identifying goals, planning on how to reach them, and following those steps.

Rinse and repeat – it’s a continuous process that can continue for as long as you like.

The point is to become a better person, who can, in turn, have a positive effect on the world and even help others.

Self improvement is also called personal development, and it can sometimes overlap with professional development.

Where did the idea of self-improvement come from?


Living your best life. Being your best self. We’ve all heard these phrases tossed around, but where did they really come from?

Abraham Maslow, 20th century psychologist and believer in human potential, created a theory about how humans develop in 1943.

It’s now known as Maslow’s Hierarachy of Needs, and it popularised the idea that we can’t realise our full potential until the more basic needs have been taken care of.

Why self-improvement is even more important in 2019


The “perfect” life vs. what you really want

In the world of 2019, we’re saturated with images from the media that tell us the best ways to live. They tell us what we should want, and what a good life looks like.

If we never stop to think about what we really want out of life, chances are our own thoughts and desires will be swept away in the tide of aspirational social media celebrities and reality shows. 

Research shows that this flood is bad for your mental health. It leads you to compare your own life with someone else’s highlight reel.

Many times the photos and videos aren’t a genuine reflection of someone’s life at all, but rather a styled, posed and art-directed photoshoot designed to look like a casual snap. 

The result is discontent, anxiety and the feeling that our own lives aren’t good enough.

Shouldn’t you be making the decisions about what you want out of life? After all, you’re the expert on yourself and what you want.

Getting a sense of direction

If you’re stuck in a rut, burned out, or hating your situation but despairing that things can ever change, self-improvement can be a lifeline.

It can give you the tools to identify what you’re really unhappy with, so you’re empowered to change your situation.

Perhaps one day, you’ll wake up and realise that those social media posts have less power over you because you know what you really value.

Self-improvement teaches us to step back from our day-to-day lives, to reflect and think strategically about what to do next.

Think of it like an general marshalling his forces. They wouldn’t send their armies out without a grand plan and a strategic vision.

Self-improvement allows you to decide where you want to be, and then figure out the best way to get there.

Common Self-improvement Topics


There are several topics that come up again and again in the self-improvement world.

Mostly they focus on simple steps to build good habits or change the way you behave in certain situations.


Self-awareness

Understanding your own thoughts and feelings.

Goal Setting

Learn how to set goals which will give your life direction.

Learning

Finding out the best way to acquire new skills.

Journaling

Writing down what you think and feel about your life.

Habits

Breaking bad habits and building new ones.

Self-confidence

Cultivating positive beliefs around your abilities.

Morning Routines

Set yourself up for the day in the best possible way.

Positive Psychology

The scientific study of human flourishing.

Procrastination

Stop avoiding your important tasks.

Wellbeing

Nourish your whole self with holistic health.

Anger Management

Prevent and control anger.

Conflict Resolution

Dealing with difficult people.

Communication

Making yourself heard and hearing others.

Handling Stress

Strategies for dealing with and reducing stress.

Self-improvement Courses


You can always embark on a journey of self-improvement solo, but many people prefer the structure and support that comes with taking a course.

There are many benefits associated with self-improvement courses. Not only are you taking on your transformation in a supportive, guided environment, but you’ll be coached on how to apply your new skills. 

Benefits

  • Gain self-awareness
  • Better relationships
  • Increased motivation
  • Learn to set and achieve the right goals for you
  • Find your life’s purpose
  • Make better decisions
  • Manage stress and anxiety
  • Understand what makes you happy

Popular and recommended courses

You can always embark on a journey of self-improvement solo, but many people prefer the structure and support that comes with taking a course.

Signing up to a course also means that you’ve committed to doing it, and are much more likely to finish what you started.

There are many benefits associated with self-improvement courses. Not only are you taking on your transformation in a supportive, guided environment, but you’ll be coached on how to apply your new skills. 


  • The School of Life Curriculum

    A comprehensive 12-course curriculum from Alain de Botton’s school of life. These courses take a fresh and unconventional approach to classic self-improvement topics, and they’re not afraid to check the assumptions behind many of our ideas around what it is to live a good life.

  • Designing Your Life

    Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans head up this online seminar, based on their New York Times bestseller of the same name. The idea is to use design thinking to build a satisfying life piece strategically. Check it out here.

  • Time Management

    This free course covers all you need to know about time management in only two hours, with a final assessment at the end. Check it out here.

Our Favourite Resources


Best Self Improvement Books

You want to:

  • Get better at learning new skills: Peak
  • Find the keys to success & achievement: Grit
  • Increase my efficiency and productivity: Smarter Better Faster
  • Become a better person: Atomic Habits
  • Remove your biggest obstacles: Ego is the Enemy
  • Finding your focus: Deep Work
  • Move toward your vision: Living Forward
  • Get clear on what’s important: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
  • Open your horizons: The Art of Possibility

Best Self Improvement Articles

Here’s a roundup of our most popular articles about improving your life, work, and everything between.

    Five Ways to Create New Ideas and Boost Creativity

    Why Upskilling Is the Best Way to Stay Successful in a Modern Workplace

    Career Shifters: Meet a former ESL teacher who changed careers and never looked back

    Is the Job You Hate Killing You? Why You Need to Make a Change

    Time Management Strategies

    Constructive Criticism– How Handling It The Right Way Will Improve Your Career

    When was the last time you worked on yourself?


    We’ve covered some basics in the wide world of self-improvement. If you’re itching to get started, why not start reading a book or enrol in a course?

    In the end, this project is all yours – the work and the rewards are up to you.

    What are you waiting for?

    There's no time like the present to further your education. Now is the time to boost your career, get your first job or make a move into a whole new area. Whether you're doing an apprenticeship or returning to work later in life, don't wait, jump straight in and find that course you're looking for.

    Good Luck!
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