This is harder than most people think. What classes should I be taking? On what? Where do I find them? Are they even affordable? How do I make time to take them? The reality of it becomes a little more difficult than when you are told to go take some immersion classes.
Speaking of that what the hell is an immersion class?
An immersion class is a class that if focused more on the actual doing of a thing then the book learning of it. It focuses on how to apply it. This does not mean they will not have a book. Many courses like this, particularly business courses, will not have you do anything there. But they will give you actionable steps you can take later.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let us start quickly go over the 4 questions above in order. What classes should you be taking. You might want to review the 10,000/1,000-hour rule by clicking here first. Done that? Great!
What Classes to Take
So, the first thing you need to know is that you probably don’t want to start with a class in your 10,000-hour category. I know shocking right? This is for one simple reason. These immersion classes are hard and difficult for anything worthy of your 10,000-hour task. You will get some out of them, but you will probably miss the most important parts.
You want to start with something easy and develop the discipline of applying yourself to a class first. This is why I recommend starting with your 1,000-hour activity’s first. Choose something like working out, nutrition, cooking or choose a hobby. Starting with something fun is an excellent way to help you stay committed to these classes.
And if you never take an immersion class in your 10,000-hour activity that’s OK. Your immersion class can be a break from your other learning.
Next, we have where do I find them? For most of them you will probably find them by searching google. These will probably be the cheaper classes and fine for a 1,000-hour subject. If you’re looking for something more advanced you probably can’t rely on google. For this I actually recommend you turn to books.
Many experts will write a book after they have a really good course. Others write the book and then find a demand for a course from them too high to ignore. Either way, if the book was good, a lot of authors end up creating a course people can take to learn the skill they have. It’s generally more difficult and expensive then the one’s you will find on google. Save them for your 10,000-hour subjects.
Can I Afford it?
Next, we have what most people give as their biggest excuse for not taking these classes, the price. I say they give it as their biggest excuse because it’s actually the easiest to solve. You need to make a budget and put 10% of your income to learning. These classes can come out of your learning budget.
On to are these classes affordable? Well if 10% of your income is going to learning they can be. Some of them can be very expensive. Others can be free. I’m about to take an immersion class that is free-ish. It comes with my gym membership of $35. I can take as many of them as I want as long as I’m a member. Going to a dance class can cost $70 bucks.
Keep in mind I’m not telling you to do this every day. I’m saying once a year. $70 for a year is not that expensive. But do what fits your budget.
I Can’t Find the Time
Last, we have the thing that is the biggest problem for most people. How do I find time to do this? This one’s hard because there is always something that will come up that gives you an excuse not to go. And people will almost always take it.
So how do you get over this little problem?
For starters, most people need to just pick a time they know they will be free and go. Honestly 80% of the battle is just showing up. The class takes care of most everything else. Often times knowing this makes a huge difference.
But what! There’s more!
Sorry, my inner sale’s men made me say that.
The only other thing (that I can put in a blog post at least) that can help you go to these immersion classes is a 3-step program. It’s really quite simple. I mean who can’t remember 3-steps. Step 1) make a schedule of your time for the few weeks leading up to your immersion class. This way you can make sure you get everything done early. Step 2) pay for the class before you show up. This way you will want to go so you get your money’s worth out of the class. Step 3) go to the class. Now you’re at the class. 80% of the battle is over.