Chapter 1: The Changing Landscape of Learning

This article may seem provocative, but I aim to persuade you to reconsider the value of accumulating certificates and instead focus on activities that yield tangible results. The times have shifted, and while knowledge is abundant, it also demands our time and attention.

Picture by Pixels

In today's world, where individuals often grow wealthy by selling educational courses, suggesting that you minimize your purchases and avoid spending countless hours on them feels almost heretical. Nevertheless, I encourage you to do just that—here’s why.

Never before has information been so readily available; you can learn virtually anything today, often at no cost. We’ve been led to believe that learning can never be excessive, but this assumption is outdated. It’s time to recognize that knowledge can indeed take up valuable resources, and we must approach it with caution.

We need to identify where to concentrate our efforts and how to learn effectively in alignment with our objectives. Otherwise, we risk getting trapped in a cycle of acquiring impractical knowledge that leads us nowhere.

Picture by Soulful Pizza

Everyone has that acquaintance who dabbles in various topics, constantly updating their skills and jumping on the latest trends. They seem to be in a perpetual state of learning, yet they often find themselves stuck, waiting for the right moment to showcase their qualifications.

I frequently witness individuals on LinkedIn proudly displaying certificate after certificate, yet after a year, they remain unemployed. Why does this occur?

I have a friend who is exceptionally intelligent—fluent in three languages and proficient in everything from data analysis to literature. However, despite her talents, she struggles with low-paying jobs. When I inquired about her portfolio, she revealed that she lacks practical experience to showcase. Most of her certifications didn’t teach her how to apply the knowledge effectively in real-world situations.

Picture by Estúdio23

We cannot fault her; this is how our education system is structured. We’ve been conditioned to believe that we must first complete years of study before applying any knowledge, but this is a flawed perspective. This educational approach has primarily benefited large corporations, which prefer a workforce that is dependent on formal qualifications rather than self-sufficient individuals.

Those in the tech industry understand that product development should involve incremental delivery of workable results. Similarly, we cannot afford to remain in a constant state of preparation, waiting for the elusive moment when we feel ready. The reality is that this moment may never come.

Picture from Cats Coming

I too have fallen into this trap, believing that mastering every recommended subject would lead to business success or a lucrative salary. The truth is, there will always be more to learn, and that feeling of readiness is often an illusion.

If you are someone who thrives on studying or know someone who does, ask them this: What have you applied from your recent learning? Has it generated any financial return or positive outcomes? If the answer is no, it may be time for a change in direction.

Quick certifications can often serve as a temporary high, providing a dopamine rush similar to that of self-help books. While studying gives the illusion of progress, it can lead to a cycle of seeking more courses without any actionable steps being taken.

Without practical application, knowledge remains dormant. If self-help literature yielded results for every reader, our society would be vastly different. The same principle applies to courses; certifications taken without a strategic approach can waste both time and money.

Let me reiterate: you are not only squandering money but also precious time by getting caught in the learning loop. Reflect on this: in high school, we all memorized complex formulas, but how many can still recite them? Unless you pursued a career in chemistry, that knowledge has likely faded.

Picture by RF._.studio

Contrary to popular belief, learning does consume time and space, so it's crucial to be strategic about what you wish to master. This is your life; it's your time!

If you’re currently juggling numerous certificates, it’s time to pause. Determine what is truly essential, tackle one thing at a time, and refrain from starting a new certification until you can demonstrate its application and derive some income or positive results from it.

We live in an age where you don’t have to wait for employment to start utilizing your skills for profit. Those who recognize this opportunity first will be the ones who succeed.

I observe countless individuals pouring their energy into job applications, often yielding minimal results. Instead of investing this effort in tasks that don’t provide returns, why not focus on applying your knowledge more effectively?

Conclusion

If there’s one takeaway from this article, it’s that your time is limited, and your value is not for sale. Why waste your time and attention on endeavors that fail to deliver results?

The next time you consider learning something new, ask yourself: How long will it take to apply this skill? What will I do with it? Does it align with my long-term goals? Will it generate income, and what will that return look like? Will I enjoy applying it? Is there a more productive way to spend my time?

Stop enrolling in every free course you encounter; instead, value your time and aspirations.

Chapter 2: Practical Learning and its Impact

In this insightful video titled "The 3 MONEY HABITS That Keep You BROKE! (RICH VS POOR MINDSET) | Wallstreet Trapper," you'll discover the financial habits that can hinder your success.

Check out "How to Get the Most Out of Studying: Part 1 of 5, 'Beliefs That Make You Fail... Or Succeed'" to understand how your beliefs around studying can impact your outcomes.

If you found this article beneficial, please follow and subscribe to my email list to stay informed of future insights.

Follow me on Twitter as well, and feel free to support my work!