We’ve all been there—excited to start a new course, eager to learn new skills, and determined to finish. But somewhere along the way, things fall apart. You might lose motivation, get busy with other things, or simply not know how to apply what you’ve learned. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever struggled to finish a course or put your new skills to good use, you’re not alone! In this blog post, we’ll explore the common reasons why learners don’t complete their courses or use the knowledge they’ve gained. More importantly, we’ll talk about practical ways to fix these issues, so you can stay on track and make the most of your learning experience.
1. Why Do Learners Struggle to Finish Courses?
Procrastination and Lack of Motivation
One of the biggest reasons people don’t finish courses is procrastination. It’s easy to put off studying when you’re not feeling motivated, or when other things seem more urgent. Sometimes, you might start a course with high energy but lose steam as the weeks go by. This happens especially when you’re not sure why you’re taking the course or how it will benefit you.
Fix it: To beat procrastination, set clear goals for yourself. Break the course into smaller tasks and reward yourself for completing each one. Find what motivates you—whether it’s improving your career, gaining new skills, or simply the joy of learning—and keep that in mind when you feel like giving up.
Fear of Failure or Perfectionism
Many learners are afraid of not doing well, and this fear can stop them from even trying. Perfectionism is another hurdle—when you feel like you have to do everything perfectly, it can be overwhelming, and you might decide it’s easier not to finish at all.
Fix it: Remember, learning is all about progress, not perfection! Don’t worry about being perfect; just focus on getting better. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for improvement.
Feeling Overwhelmed
Sometimes, courses can feel overwhelming, especially if there’s a lot of information coming at you all at once. This feeling of being overwhelmed often makes learners feel stuck, causing them to abandon the course altogether.
Fix it: Break the course into smaller sections and tackle them one at a time. Focus on one lesson or module before moving on to the next. If a course feels too dense, try finding a course with a better structure or use external resources to supplement your learning.
No Accountability or Support
Learning alone can be tough, especially if you don’t have anyone to keep you accountable. Without support, it’s easy to lose focus and motivation.
Fix it: Try joining an online study group or finding an accountability partner who is taking the same course or a similar one. When you know someone else is counting on you to stay on track, you’re more likely to complete your course.
2. Why Learners Struggle to Apply New Skills
Forgetting What You Learned
It’s common to finish a course, but when the time comes to use what you learned, you find that you’ve forgotten most of it! This is called the “Forgetting Curve,” which shows that we tend to forget information quickly if we don’t review or use it.
Fix it: Use spaced repetition to help retain what you’ve learned. This means going over the material again at set intervals—after a day, a week, a month—to make sure it sticks. Tools like flashcards or quizzes can help you actively recall information, making it easier to remember in the future.
Not Enough Practice
Sometimes courses focus too much on theory without offering enough practical experience. If you don’t have a chance to practice your new skills, it’s hard to know how to use them in real life.
Fix it: Look for courses that include hands-on projects or case studies. If your course doesn’t offer these, create your own opportunities to practice. For example, if you’re learning web design, build a personal website or offer to design a website for a friend.
Fear of Using New Skills
Even after completing a course, you might feel unsure about using your new skills, especially if you’re afraid of making mistakes or feel like you don’t know enough. This is often due to “imposter syndrome,” where you doubt your abilities even when you’re qualified.
Fix it: Start by using your skills in low-pressure situations. Take on small projects or practice in safe environments where the stakes are low. As you build confidence, you can gradually take on more challenging tasks.
3. Simple Strategies to Help You Finish Your Courses
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose track. Break your course into smaller, bite-sized tasks, and set deadlines for each one. This makes the course feel more manageable and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each part.
Tip: Write down your goals and track your progress. Seeing how far you’ve come can be a great motivator!
Find Accountability
Learning with others can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a study group, an online forum, or a friend taking the same course, having someone to check in with can keep you motivated.
Tip: Share your goals with a friend or in a learning community. When someone else is following your progress, you’re less likely to give up.
Reward Yourself
Learning can be hard work, so don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Rewarding yourself for completing a section or module can help keep your motivation high.
Tip: Treat yourself to something you enjoy—whether it’s a favorite snack, a short break, or watching your favorite show—after finishing a lesson or module.
4. How to Make Sure You Use Your New Skills
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to retain what you’ve learned is to put it into practice. The more you use your new skills, the more confident you’ll become.
Tip: Start working on small projects related to what you’ve learned. For example, if you’ve taken a coding course, try building a small website or app. Practice makes perfect!
Review What You’ve Learned
To make sure the information sticks, go over the course material regularly. This will help reinforce your learning and prevent you from forgetting important concepts.
Tip: Use spaced repetition techniques like quizzes or flashcards to test your memory over time. The more you review, the more likely you are to remember.
Take on Real-World Challenges
Putting your skills to the test in real-life situations is the best way to boost your confidence and solidify your knowledge.
Tip: Look for opportunities to use your new skills in everyday life. Whether it’s through volunteer work, freelance projects, or personal tasks, the more you apply your skills, the more comfortable you’ll become using them.
5. Build Your Confidence
Overcome Imposter Syndrome
It’s normal to feel unsure or nervous when you’re trying something new. Many learners feel like they aren’t “good enough” to use their new skills, even after finishing a course.
Tip: Start with small tasks and gradually work your way up to bigger challenges. Celebrate your progress and remember that everyone starts somewhere. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.
Take Baby Steps
Don’t try to do everything at once. Start with smaller projects and simple tasks, then work your way up as you get more comfortable. This approach will help you build your skills gradually without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever struggled to finish a course or felt unsure about using your new skills, know that you’re not alone. Many learners face these challenges, but with the right strategies, you can overcome them!
By setting clear goals, practicing regularly, and seeking accountability, you can stay on track and make the most of your learning experience. So don’t give up—take these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to not just completing courses but confidently applying your new skills in real life.
Very helpful