Courses, Books, and Podcasts For Development Summer 2017

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As a modern day professional, on-going learning and development should remain a priority. I have an insatiable thirst for learning and always look for ways to master more, improve and gain extra insight. There are countless, inexpensive ways we can take initiative in our own personal development. Thanks to the power of technology, a variety of educational platforms are accessible to us. Vehicles such as podcasts, webinars, online classes, apps, etc are ours for the devouring. You can learn anything you want! I'd like to share with you how I’m investing in my development this summer.

1. I'm taking writing courses. One of my Q2 Goals was to join a writing community and get a mentor. Well I joined 2 writing groups on LinkedIn and I have a subscription to Writer’s Digest Magazine. For months I’ve been researching different writing courses. These courses normally run $230-300 and finally after waiting a bit, I was able to get a bundle of courses on sale with other materials for $50. (Talk about winning!) Check out the materials and content I have received for $50:

• How to Blog a Book eBook

• Build Your Author Platform Through Blogging OnDemand Webinar

• From Blog to Agent to Book Deal: Writer’s Digest Conference Session

• 50 Ways to Increase Your Blog Traffic MP4

• Is Your Blog a Book: When, How, Why (and Why Not) Your Social Medial Could Become a Traditionally Published Book OnDemand Webinar

• Author Blogs: How to Get Started with This Platform Essentials and Use it to Snag An Agent MP4

2. I'm taking a college math course. I’ve mentioned before that I'm currently in school pursuing a degree in Management Studies. So far, all of the major related classes have come easy to me. I’ve been able to draw for my experience for projects and papers. That’s one of the benefits of being an adult learner. Experience. All I have left to graduate are math and math related classes. One class, which is the introductory math class (you know the one you can test out of), I have failed twice. I have not been able to test out and I have not passed the class. This is quite embarrassing for me. Failed classes are a part of my past. I failed my Senior thesis in college. I refuse to let this be an obstacle that prohibits me from finally graduating. So this summer I start this class again. I have also downloaded several apps and lessons to help me from a tutoring standpoint. Normally I take 2-3 classes but this summer I am going to focus on just this one. I am determined to get over this math hump. While this is hard for me to admit, I’ve learned that being vulnerable and asking for help is one of the best ways to tackle problems. Whenever I mention my math problems to someone, they are incredibly kind and have offered solutions. My best friend's son (a high school student) shared his math apps. I’ve had co workers who have degrees in math. Who knew? I will not struggle through this alone and that’s a great feeling.

3. I'm reading allllll the Summer Reads. Friends, I am reading SO MUCH this summer. In addition to the 3 books I’m going to read during the View 112 Summer of Business Books Reading Challenge, I’ve picked up a couple of other titles including:

• I Can’t Make This Up by Kevin Hart

• You Are a Bad Ass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

• Thank You For Being Late by Thomas Friedman

• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

• Content Inc by Joe Pulizzi

• The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

4. I'm here for podcasts. It's not just my own podcast I love folks! I consume a lot of podcasts. Here are 12 of my very favorites:

• The 5am Miracle

• The Tim Ferriss Show

• My Taught You Podcast

• Pod Save America

• Lovett or Leave It

• SideHustle Pro

• Revisionist History

• How I Built This

• Pay Checks and Balances

• Freelance Writing Success

• The Read (for the laughs)

• His & Hers & SC6

How are you investing in your development this summer? Share with me all of the courses, books, and podcasts...