Do What You Want

Today, I want to dive deeper into the idea of self-directed learning, the act of taking your education into your own hands and mastering the skills needed to do what you truly want. Whether you’re building websites, learning guitar or starting a new business, you don’t need a formal degree or expensive courses to make it happen. With the vast resources available online, anyone can become an expert in just about anything if they have the determination and willingness to learn on their own terms.

Why Self-Directed Learning Is So Powerful

Self-directed learning is liberating because it gives you control over what you learn, how you learn and when you learn. Unlike traditional education, which often forces you to follow a rigid curriculum and timelines, learning on your own terms allows you to tailor your education to your personal interests and needs. This flexibility is especially important when you’re pursuing something you’re passionate about because you’re far more likely to stay motivated when the learning aligns with your goals.

1. You Choose What to Learn

When you’re in control of your own learning journey, you can focus on the areas that are most relevant to your personal projects. Instead of wasting time on topics that don’t interest you, you can dive straight into what excites you. For example, if you’re passionate about music, you can learn everything from guitar theory to audio production, skipping over unrelated subjects. This makes the learning process more engaging and rewarding.

2. You Learn at Your Own Pace

One of the most frustrating aspects of traditional education is the rigid pace, either too slow for those who want to accelerate or too fast for those who need more time to absorb the material. With self-directed learning, you set the pace. If you pick something up quickly, you can move on to the next challenge. If you need more time, you can slow down and dig deeper into the topic until you feel confident.

This approach allows for deeper mastery of complex subjects. For example, if you’re building a website and find that you’re struggling with coding, you can take your time to practice and find online resources to help you through the tough parts without the pressure of a looming deadline.

3. The Internet Is Your Classroom

We’re living in a time where access to information is almost unlimited. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a college education to learn valuable skills. Sites like YouTube, Coursera, Udemy and countless others provide tutorials, courses and how-tos on almost anything you could ever want to learn. From guitar lessons to web development, the information is out there and it’s often free or available at a fraction of the cost of formal education.

This democratization of knowledge means that anyone with an internet connection can become an expert in their field. You don’t need to wait for permission or rely on traditional gatekeepers to start learning.

4. You Build Skills That Matter to You

One of the main advantages of self-directed learning is that you’re only focusing on the skills that matter most to your personal or professional goals. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, you can curate your learning based on the challenges you’re facing or the direction you want to take. This tailored approach makes your education more relevant and immediately applicable.

For instance, someone building a guitar website might focus on learning web development basics, SEO and digital marketing. They’re not wasting time on irrelevant topics but instead mastering the skills that will directly help them succeed in their passion project.

How to Get Started with Self-Directed Learning

If you’re ready to take control of your learning and start doing what you want, here are a few steps to guide you along the way.

1. Define Your Goal

Start by getting clear on what you want to achieve. Maybe you want to start a side business, learn to play an instrument or develop a new skill that will advance your career. Whatever it is, defining your goal gives you a clear direction for what to learn.

Ask yourself: What is the outcome I’m working toward? By knowing your end goal, you can better map out what skills or knowledge you need to acquire to reach it.

2. Curate Your Learning Resources

With so many resources available online, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Narrow down the sources that best fit your learning style. For example, if you’re a visual learner, YouTube tutorials might be more effective than reading blog posts. If you prefer structured learning, platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer well-organized courses. Podcasts, ebooks and forums can also be valuable learning tools depending on your subject.

3. Set a Learning Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to self-directed learning. Without the external deadlines of formal education, it can be easy to procrastinate or lose focus. Create a routine that fits your life, whether that’s dedicating an hour every evening or diving deep for a few hours each weekend. The important part is to stick to it and make learning a regular part of your week.

4. Apply What You Learn

One of the best ways to retain knowledge is to immediately apply what you’ve learned. If you’re learning to build websites, start building! If you’re studying guitar, start writing songs. The quicker you put your new skills to work, the more they will stick. Application also reveals any gaps in your understanding, giving you a chance to go back and reinforce those areas.

5. Embrace Failure as Part of the Process

Learning on your own can be tough and there will be moments where you struggle or hit roadblocks. Don’t let that discourage you, failure is just part of the learning process. Use mistakes as opportunities to adjust your approach and improve. Every setback is a stepping stone toward mastery.

Take Control and Do What You Want

Self-directed learning is a powerful tool for anyone looking to pursue their passions and carve their own path in life. The internet has leveled the playing field, allowing anyone with a desire to learn and the dedication to practice to achieve their goals.

So, whatever it is you want to do, whether it’s launching a website, learning guitar or mastering any other skill, know that you don’t need permission or a formal education to make it happen. Start today, take control of your learning and do what you want.