Sometimes a small investment in education can pay huge dividends for years down the road. If you’re ready to invest in your productivity education this year, here are the best productivity courses.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe,” Abraham Lincoln reportedly said.
How much time do you spend sharpening the axe? This is time that’s seemingly unproductive, but can lead to greater productivity later. It’s a step back to take two steps forward.
One of the best places to “sharpen your axe” is Udemy.com, a worldwide marketplace of instructors and students.
In that spirit, I want to share some of the top courses on Udemy on productivity, systems, and outsourcing.
These include lessons from some of my favorite instructors on the platform and (selfishly) even one of my own courses.
Disclosure: Links below are affiliate links.
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1. Become a SpeedDemon: Productivity Tricks to Have More Time
Learn how to:
- Harness the preeminent theories of productivity and time management to squeeze more time out of the day.
- Use cutting-edge hacks, tips, and tricks to improve computer productivity work.
- Identify time-wasters and zap them before they drain the day away.
- Cut out the bad habits that cost hours in the day for no reason.
- Make more time for the things that matter in life.
Sticker Price: $95
Instructor: Jonathan Levi
Social Proof: 3600 reviews, 4.3-stars, 33,000 students
Sample Review: “A lot of useful, simple, and specific pieces of advice. Maybe not all tips and tricks are for everybody, but the ones that are applicable to you will save you tons of time.”
2. Productivity and Time Management for the Overwhelmed
Learn how to:
- Take control of their mindset and energy levels to increase your productivity
- Discover why you are not as productive as you could be and develop a plan to improve
- Increase your productivity by implementing new strategies throughout your day
- Create a personal plan that fits your personality and style
Sticker Price: $75
Instructor: Josh Paulsen
Social Proof: 4200 reviews, 4.4-stars, 20,000 students
Sample Review: “Lessons are presented in manageable time slices. Some of the lessons I “knew” already, but they are presented in a way to be really actionable. I am looking forward to applying them. I feel as though some of the items have made an impact already (focus on the most important thing, above all others, during your most productive time of the day).”
3. Productivity 10X – Your Complete Guide To Productivity
Learn how to:
- 10X your personal productivity, avoid distractions, have laser-focus, implement powerful daily rituals!
- Stay focused on what really matters and find satisfaction in your work.
- Stay energized and on the top of your game, so you can work smart without burning out.
- Automate your routine so productivity becomes a habit.
- Beat procrastination, once and for all.
- Make sure you do the right work, instead of just keeping busy.
- Create a schedule that works.
- Cut out the bad habits that cost hours in the day for no reason.
Sticker Price: $200
Instructor: Silviu Marisca
Social Proof: 580 reviews, 4.6-stars, 8800 students
Sample Review: “A good course which includes actionable steps and practical productivity strategies. The course exercises are very engaging and demand serious introspection. Worth the time and money invested.”
4. Modern Productivity – Superhuman Focus in a Distracted World
Learn how to:
- Minimize the distractions of modern life.
- Break your compulsive social media habits.
- Identify your peak hours for productivity.
- Take charge of your time and stop living on other people’s schedules.
- and more!
Sticker Price: $190
Instructor: Brad Merrill
Social Proof: 1600 reviews, 4.6-stars, 8,700 students
Sample Review: “Instructor was very engaging and there was a very minimal amount of repetition. The course was “short and sweet” with lots of real world applications. I’d recommend it to a friend.”
5. Virtual Assistant: Find, Hire, Train, and Manage
Learn how to:
- Find the best VA talent.
- Hire virtual workers anywhere in the world.
- Onboard and train them for the best results.
- Work with them on an ongoing basis.
Sticker Price: $35
Instructor: Nick Loper (that’s me!)
Social Proof: 79 reviews, 4.5-stars, 1200 students
Sample Review: “This is really good, I feel like its more of a no-brainer but sometimes just hearing other people reiterate it helps you make a good conscious decision. I definitely think you need to take this course if you have no idea where to begin. I felt it was great for clarification and ease of mind.”
6. Productivity Machine: Time Management & Productivity Hacks
Learn how to:
- Set crystal-clear goals.
- Focus on your most important task and eliminate distractions.
- Effectively manage your time both personally and professionally.
Sticker Price: $195
Instructor: Patrick Dang
Social Proof: 1400 reviews, 4.4-stars, 6500 students
Sample Review: “The course is incredibly well structured and highly informative. I am halfway through it and I’m already using many of the apps/ extensions provided. I can’t wait to apply more of what I’ve learned.”
7. Productivity Masterclass: How to Powerfully Get Things Done
Learn how to:
- Get crystal-clear on your goals.
- Engineer your perfect day.
- Build “fail-proof” plans.
- And more!
Sticker Price: $195
Instructor: Brandon Hakim
Social Proof: 360 reviews, 4.4-stars, 1,800 students
Sample Review: “This is the most efficient course on how to get things done (productivity). Must watch for all Entrepreneurs and people who want to be more productive and in a more effective way. Brandon is an excellent teacher.”
8. Boost Your Productivity. Work Less and Get More Done Easily
Learn how to:
- Boost your productivity two, three, four or more times with simple methods that are proven to work
- Eliminate bad habits that steal your time and freedom
- Become more efficient and make more money with less work
- Only do the things that matter most and will add value to your life
- Get more free time in your life to do the things you really love doing
- Manage your business and personal life and have more energy to enjoy each and every day
- Avoid distractions and people who try to steal your time
- Become laser-focused effortlessly and avoid the struggle that most people content with in their everyday life
- Identify time wasters that will kill your chance of success and steal away your life
- Manage your time so others aren’t dictating how you use it
- Eliminate procrastination by removing the triggers that cause it to happen
Sticker Price: $40
Instructor: Geoff Shaw
Social Proof: 150 reviews, 4.6-stars, 700 students
Sample Review: “Great productivity overview, with some butt-kicking and inspiration thrown in for good measure! Once again, as is with all Geoff’s courses, lots of actionable “meat,” no fluff.”
9. Double Your Productivity and Get Important Things Done
Learn how to:
- Manage Your Time
- KILL Procrastination
- Make More Money
- Get More Things Done
- How To Prioritize
- Get and Appreciate Free Time
Sticker Price: $200
Instructor: Jimmy Naraine
Social Proof: 500 reviews, 4.3-stars, 12,000 students
Sample Review: “Great content, engaging delivery and practical strategies that can be immediately implemented.”
10. Get Things Done: How To Organize Your Life And Take Action
Learn how to:
- Visually map out your tasks, projects, and goals for the next week to 6 months.
- Create, plan, and complete multi-action projects (writing a book, creating a website, planning an anniversary) easily and efficiently.
- Use the Action Map to capture and do small, but important tasks (check email, check Twitter, order that new watch, make appointments, etc.).
- Track and follow up on the people, decisions, and tasks that you’re not prepared to act on right now.
- Manage and run your errands in the most efficient way possible (works great in households and businesses, too).
- Use Triggers to take action on the recurring tasks in your life (cleaning & maintaining your car or home, paying bills, posting to your blog, etc.).
- Master using Domains – a section of your Action Map for capturing and managing knowledge, checklists, processes, dreams, templates, documents, and more!
- Use timeboxing to consistently take action and get things done.
Sticker Price: $95
Instructor: Derek Franklin
Social Proof: 460 reviews, 4.5-stars, 3800 students
Sample Review: “Derek’s courses are always so thorough and insightful. I don’t remember how I discovered him but I am sure glad I did! I am looking forward to the changes that will happen as a result of applying what I learned from this course. Thank you, Derek!”
Your Turn
Have you taken any of these Udemy courses? Any favorites you’d add to the list?
Leave a comment below and let me know!
Another great read thanks to you Nick! I am always amazed at how you are able to write and make your readers feel that they are just talking to a friend.
Great courses,and I’d add another 5 star course with over 1100 students, Outsource Easier which covers how to outsource on the most popular platforms and get a great result.
https://www.udemy.com/outsourcing-made-easy-for-entrepreneurs/
Thanks. Good Stuff