#72 – The #1 mistake to avoid when investing in a course

Have you ever purchased a course, started it, and then left it?

Or perhaps you completed a course only to wonder if it was worth the investment?

We buy courses but don’t always get the results we expect.

There are several scenarios in which we buy a course and leave it halfway or are dissatisfied with it. Even if we complete it, we don’t put it into practice, and all that investment goes to waste.

I’ll be honest with you; I used to be a course hoarder. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on various courses over time, and I have a similar story for many of them. But out of all those courses, there were some that I not only completed, but I also applied them, and they were game changers in my photography.

Today, I want to share with you the biggest mistake we tend to make when investing in a course and how to ensure that a certain course will actually take you forward in your photography or business.

And let me tell you, it has nothing to do with money. Whether a course is right for you has nothing to do with your budget and the cost of the course.

The Big Mistake

The most significant mistake we make is not identifying our biggest struggle at that moment in time.

We don’t buy based on where we are in our creative journey at that particular time. We don’t pay close attention to our immediate goals and difficulties, and we either tend to buy a course we think we need or in anticipation of where we want to be.

When we buy courses that are not in line with where our skills need to be met, we either continue to struggle, think the course is no good, start doubting our abilities to improve, or doubt the course instructor, even though they aren’t at fault. You bought their course at a time when it wasn’t your highest priority.

The key is to invest in knowledge that addresses your current needs, not what might be relevant in the future. 

If you’re a hobbyist photographer, focus on your current challenge—be it lighting, composition, editing, or food styling. As a professional, pinpoint your specific hurdle, whether it’s client acquisition or streamlining your processes.

Conclusion

The next time you contemplate investing in a course, ask yourself how urgently you require it. It’s not about the price; it’s about whether the course aligns with your current needs. This approach will guide you in selecting the right course and, in putting that new knowledge into practice immediately.

It’s not about money; it’s not about budget; it’s about what you need and how badly you need it at that moment. This approach will help you decide whether a course is the right one for you and whether it’s the right time for it. Don’t buy a course just because you think you’ll need it later.

Invest wisely, and watch your photography and business skills soar to new heights.

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