from fabulous Aimee Dolich of Artsyville
I never graduated from college. I knew in my bones, at age 18, that I needed real world experience more than a college classroom to set me on my path. Two weeks before I was supposed to show up at St. Olaf, I landed a job as a news writer… and it truly changed the course of my life.
I am a huge advocate for education and, eventually, did go to night school to try to earn my degree. For most people, I think college is critical. But for me, the “real world” – perfect opportunities I just couldn’t pass up – kept calling me away from the traditional classroom. Maybe that’s why I gravitate to unconventional learning even now.
When I started to dream of launching my own business, I also began to gift myself with new learning opportunities. Each year, I have committed myself to an intensive course in something my soul felt it needed. It’s the best school ever; I choose all my courses and none of them include algebra!
2006: I spent many weekends in an intensive class on developing and embracing my intuitive gifts. I really learned to listen to and follow my heart.
2007: I went to Vegas for an amazingly transformative Hay House I Can Do It!conference with my mom and friends, attending workshops on everything from angels to past life regression. Knocked my socks off.
2008: I had a second baby – that was enough of a learning curve for me that year! 🙂
2009: My schedule was full of e-courses and webinars on business and blogging.
2010: Kelly Rae Roberts’ Flying Lessons e-course rocked my world and gave me the confidence to launch my art career.
2011: In addition to taking multiple e-courses {Superhero Photography with Andrea Scher was particularly good!}, I literally went back to the classroom for Rich Chicks’ Gray Market Income class {which kicks off again next week}. It gave me the financial know-how and business acumen to create products that highlight my unique expertise – starting with my How To Build a Blog You Truly Love ecourse.
As I look back, every class has been a game changer in my personal and professional life. And now, it’s so incredibly rewarding to see all the light bulbs turning on for the people taking my class. Gives me goosebumps to know that what I’ve learned is now benefiting others so profoundly. Wow. Wow. Wow. {Registration closes Jan 20th, by the way}
This year, 2012, I’m sooo excited to be a contributor to Kelly Rae Roberts’ and Beth Nicholls’ Hello Soul, Hello Business e-course for creative entrepreneurs – which kicks off on Monday! I’ll be following along with every lesson, soaking up all the goodness in that virtual classroom for the next nine weeks.
So, what will YOU intentionally set out to learn this year? How? Where? When? I’d love to know – and to hear of any classes you’ve taken that you super-duper loved…
