Enjoy 20% OFF /span>Just Use Code SUMMER20 (view details)
Enjoy 20% OFF /span>Just Use Code SUMMER20 (view details)
4/22/2025 By John G. Winn
While career achievements are important, true personal development extends far beyond the confines of a job title. Exploring new interests, gaining hands-on experiences, and engaging with enriching resources like online courses and podcasts can lead to profound self-improvement. By continuously learning and evolving, individuals can create a more fulfilling life, striking a balance between professional success and personal enrichment.
At University Frames, we understand that milestones like earning a degree are just the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth. A diploma frame isn’t just a way to showcase academic accomplishments, it’s a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge that doesn’t end at graduation. By taking up continuous learning and personal development, individuals can open doors to new opportunities, fostering both curiosity and creativity in their everyday lives.
Honestly, structured learning works best when it's interactive. Online courses with real-world applications make it easier to absorb information. I've taken energy market strategy courses where you simulate pricing models and predict customer behavior based on actual market trends. Instead of reading theory, you get hands-on with data and make decisions like you would in the real world. That format helped me improve our pricing strategies and optimize customer savings.
Udemy and Coursera have been great for this. A course on dynamic pricing changed how we structure electricity deals, leading to a 15% increase in contract conversions. The best courses don't just explain concepts—they let you test them out. The moment you can apply something in a real setting, you retain it. Like I said, passive learning is fine, but nothing beats an interactive challenge that forces you to think through decisions.
Benjamin Tom, Digital Marketing Expert and Utility Specialist, Electricity Monster
I love learning new skills through hands-on experience and real-world application. Whether it's tackling a new home improvement project, refining my leadership skills, or deepening my knowledge of tree biology, I find that actively engaging in something is the best way to retain it. My background as a certified arborist and my 20+ years in the tree care industry have taught me the value of continuous education. For example, when I wanted to improve my understanding of advanced tree risk assessment, I pursued my TRAQ certification. This hands-on training allowed me to better evaluate hazardous trees for my clients, ensuring their safety and protecting their properties.
One resource I've found especially helpful is the International Society of Arboriculture. They offer in-depth courses, research articles, and networking opportunities with other experts in the field. Beyond my profession, I also enjoy learning through audiobooks and podcasts, particularly on topics like business growth and leadership. A great example of this was when I studied customer service strategies from business podcasts and applied those lessons to my company. As a result, we improved our client communication, leading to stronger relationships and more referrals. Learning never stops, and I believe the key to growth is staying curious and open to new ideas.
Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
Action generates personal growth. Learning through action is the most effective method. Reading and studying assist, but putting knowledge to use in practice develops genuine capability.
Podcasts are a quick method for acquiring information. The Knowledge Project provides mental models for improving decision-making. The Tim Ferriss Show examines approaches from elite achievers in business, athletics, and leadership. These ideas are directly applicable to problem-solving and personal development.
Books provide in-depth, organized learning. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear outlines how small steps lead to long-term success. “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink enforces responsibility and self-discipline. Both offer real-world frameworks for improvement.
Online courses bring higher education within reach. MasterClass teaches masters in the fields. Coursera offers organized courses in leadership, negotiation, and psychology. The trick is selecting resources that lead to actual action.
Physical adversity develops mental strength. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu induces deliberate thought under duress. Running distances strengthens endurance and discipline. These are lessons that translate outside of sports—managing hardship, maintaining concentration, and testing boundaries.
Development occurs from relentless effort. Patience never leads to advancement.
Justin Lovely, Owner, Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers
I make it a point to regularly attend workshops, conferences, and retreats that aren't limited to the legal field to improve both my personal and professional growth. Events like business leadership summits and negotiation workshops are game changers for me. They help sharpen my skills, which directly boosts my performance. For instance, getting involved in a public speaking seminar has dramatically increased my effectiveness in the courtroom, and checking out a leadership retreat has really leveled up my mentoring abilities with junior attorneys. These activities keep ideas fresh and improve my mental clarity.
One resource I find particularly valuable is MasterClass, where I've learned negotiation techniques and how to enhance my ability to communicate persuasively. I also use Coursera and Harvard’s online programs to explore topics like psychology and business strategy, which indirectly benefit my legal practice. I can gain insights that make me a stronger advocate, a more well-rounded individual, and a better advisor to my clients.
Steven Rodemer, Owner and Attorney, Rodemer & Kane
I spend my days optimizing systems and untangling structured data. Yet for personal growth, I lean the opposite way—I look for complexity that pushes me to think differently.
The best way I learn isn't by reading business books or taking courses but by immersing myself in industries that have nothing to do with mine. When I need sharper decision-making, I study poker strategy. For engagement insights, I examine how game designers craft addiction loops. To level up problem-solving, I watch chess masters decode patterns. Each field tackles challenges uniquely, and some of my most powerful sales and business breakthroughs sparked from seemingly unrelated domains.
One resource I keep circling back to is YouTube—but with a twist. Instead of business content, I explore niche rabbit holes. Architecture, aviation, behavioral psychology—anything that trains my mind to spot patterns and question assumptions. The thing is, game-changing ideas rarely emerge from staying in your lane. They pop up when you steal concepts, twist them around, and apply them where nobody else looks.
Marcin Pienkowski, Head of Salesforce, Think Beyond
I learn best when I'm on the hook to deliver something real. No passive reading, no endless tutorials—just a deadline, a challenge, and the pressure to figure things out fast.
I run learning sprints outside of work, where I take a skill I know nothing about and force myself to produce something in 30 days. Last year, I wanted to sharpen my storytelling instincts, so instead of reading about it, I decided to write and animate a one-minute short film from scratch. No background in animation, no plan—just a commitment to finishing.
I scraped together knowledge from Motion Design School and YouTube, learned just enough to get started, and muscled through the rest. The result? A wildly imperfect but finished project that taught me more about pacing, visual storytelling, and execution than any structured course ever could.
The thing is, pressure speeds up learning. When there's a real deadline and something tangible at stake, you don't get stuck in theory—you make mistakes, adapt, and grow. That's how I absorb new skills: forcing myself to create, not simply consume.
George Pettigrew, Creative Director, InboxArmy
One of the best ways to learn new skills and grow personally is to start by identifying what truly excites you—something you'd actually enjoy doing long-term and, ideally, something you can monetize.
I recommend testing the waters with some free resources before you decide to invest in a paid course or certification. When I wanted to get into web development, for instance, I was first watching YouTube tutorials on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Then, I gained practical knowledge of structured courses in HubSpot and Coursera and earned certifications which gave me credibility in my gained skills.
These building blocks created confidence without limiting me financially or time-wise. As soon as I learned a concept well, I immediately built small projects around it and added them to an online portfolio. This practical work was essential—you have to actually do the work and get results that you can show people.
So, I created my Upwork profile and filled out my certifications/projects and then pitched clients. Within the next 6 months, I was able to secure my first gig which turned into me working as a freelancer regularly. The key takeaway? Learn, align, and get out there. Taking action and gaining real-world experience is what makes the difference between learners and earners, after all, whether you're venturing into coding, design, marketing, or anything else.
Aaron Whittaker, VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
My favorite way to learn new skills and pursue personal growth outside of work is through hands-on projects and real-world application. I find that actively doing something—whether it's a personal challenge, a DIY project, or joining a local group focused on a particular interest—helps concepts stick far better than passive consumption alone.
One resource I've found incredibly helpful is Coursera. I appreciate how it offers courses from top universities while allowing me to apply what I'm learning in real time. For instance, when I wanted to improve my understanding of behavioral psychology, I enrolled in a course that not only provided theoretical insights but also included practical exercises to implement in everyday interactions.
Outside of structured learning, I also make time for reading physical books—it's a simple practice, but stepping away from screens helps me absorb information more thoughtfully. Pairing that with conversations in local meetups or online forums gives me different perspectives and keeps learning dynamic.
My advice? Choose learning methods that engage you actively, not just passively. Whether it's building something, teaching others, or applying concepts to small side projects, you'll retain more and enjoy the process along the way.
Patric Edwards, Founder & Principal Software Architect, Cirrus Bridge
I have a couple of daily habits that help me develop new skills and grow outside of work, and one of my favorites is listening to podcasts and audiobooks while I am commuting or working out. It keeps me in the loop on new ideas, leadership approaches and industry trends without impacting my workday.
One resource that is easy for me to access is MasterClass. The streaming service features lessons from top leaders in business to creative disciplines. I thought their courses on leadership and negotiation strategies were especially interesting because they provide the insights from actual experiences of people who've gone through similar situations in starting businesses or managing large teams.
Also, I try to keep in touch with my peers, and I try to go to industry conferences when I can. These real-world interactions light fires in me that I don't normally get from getting lost in reading or listening to podcasts, and they keep me grounded while I constantly strive for growth.
Robert Khachatryan, CEO and Founder, Freight Right Global Logistics
I am always looking for ways to grow, especially when it comes to personal development outside of work. One of the best ways I've found to do this is through journaling. It's something I started a few years ago, and it's made a huge difference. I write about everything from personal goals to reflections on books I've read or podcasts I've listened to. Writing forces me to slow down and process thoughts more deeply, and it helps me see things from a new perspective. It's simple, but it's been incredibly effective in helping me feel more focused and grounded.
Another tool I really appreciate is Skillshare. I signed up last year after hearing good things from friends, and it's been a game changer. The platform has a ton of classes on everything from design to mindfulness. One class that really stuck with me was about productivity and setting clear intentions. I ended up applying some of the techniques to my routine, and I noticed I was getting more done without feeling overwhelmed. It's amazing how a few small changes can lead to such a big impact in both personal and professional life.
Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager, Precondo
This year, I took an online course in cooking and another in writing a picture book—just for fun. Neither had anything to do with my work, and that's exactly why I loved them. It was a reminder that learning doesn't always have to be about productivity or career growth; sometimes, it's just about curiosity and creativity.
MasterClass has been the platform I've really enjoyed for this. There's something inspiring about learning from experts who are passionate about their craft, whether it's a chef sharing their favorite recipes or an author breaking down the art of storytelling. It's made me realize that personal growth isn't just about gaining skills—it's about exploring new interests and finding joy in the process.
Lately, I've also been making time for journaling and self-reflection, which helps me absorb what I'm learning and actually apply it. Growth, for me, is about staying open to new experiences and letting them shape who I am.
Catherine Cooke, Co-founder, Upskillwise
I learn best by reverse engineering things that catch my attention. If something works exceptionally well-whether it's a marketing campaign, a well-written article, or even a perfectly cooked steak-I want to take it apart, discover why it works, and test if I can duplicate it. Something about deconstructing success in real-time makes lessons stick with me more than any course or guide ever could.
For example, when I needed to improve email marketing strategies, I didn't just read industry reports. I subscribed to dozens of brand newsletters, studied what grabbed my attention, and tracked which tactics actually made me click. Same with mastering the perfect steak-I observed chefs, played with different heat levels, and figured out what worked by noticing the details no one mentions.
One of my go-to resources for this learning style? Reddit. It offers raw, real-world knowledge from people who've already stumbled through the trial and error. Whether it's r/marketing, r/entrepreneur, or even r/IAmA, someone's always sharing insights that haven't been sanitized into generic advice.
The best way to grow happens through staying curious, dismantling things, and testing ideas until they click.
Chris Donald, Co-Founder and Advisor, Inboxarmy
Learning new skills and growing personally has always been about hands-on experience and conversation. I've never been one to sit back and just absorb information passively—I learn best by doing. Whether it's tackling a new challenge, experimenting with different ways to solve a problem, or simply engaging in meaningful discussions with people who see the world differently, I find that genuine growth happens in the moments when you're fully committed.
One of the most effective ways to expand my thinking is mentorship—both giving and receiving. There's something incredibly valuable about candid conversations with people with different experiences, whether seasoned professionals or up-and-comers with fresh perspectives. You learn just as much from helping others navigate challenges as from getting advice. I've had some of my most significant professional and personal breakthroughs just by sitting with someone over coffee and discussing ideas.
As for resources, I lean toward podcasts that challenge conventional thinking. Shows like The Knowledge Project or The Diary of a CEO take deep dives into decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving, often from people outside my industry. I think that's key—you don't just grow by staying in your lane; you grow by pulling in ideas from everywhere and applying them in new ways.
Learning isn't about checking off boxes or collecting certificates. It's about curiosity—staying open, asking the right questions, and being willing to adapt. That's where real progress happens.
Wayne Mills, Head of Operations, Seven Seas Worldwide
One of the most effective ways I've learned new skills is by reverse engineering things that interest me. Whether it's a website, a piece of software, or a marketing campaign, I break it down to see how it was built and then try to recreate it myself. This hands-on approach forces me to think critically and figure things out in a way that reading alone never could. It's also led me to pick up skills like coding, copywriting techniques, and even business strategy just by studying what works.
For structured learning, YouTube University is underrated. There are experts in almost every field sharing knowledge for free, and the comments section often adds extra insights. Unlike courses that follow a fixed curriculum, YouTube allows me to jump between topics as needed, filling in gaps without wasting time. The key is to experiment alongside what I'm learning rather than passively consuming content.
Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media
I try to learn new skills in ways that feel natural and enjoyable rather than like a burden. Reading weekly newsletters from sites like CodeProject and TechRepublic keeps me in the loop with new ideas and industry updates. Sometimes, the best insights come from tech influencers who break things down in a way that actually makes sense.
Side projects are a huge part of how I learn. Right now, I'm rewriting my blog engine in Blazor, and I've got a few other small projects that I tinker with just for fun. There's something about figuring things out on my own that sticks way better than just reading about them.
Sharing what I learn makes everything even more rewarding. Writing about it on my blog or discussing it on my YouTube channel helps me process things better, and if someone else finds it useful, that's a bonus. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn, and it keeps me motivated.
James Owen, Co-Founder & Director, Click Intelligence
Most people focus on structured learning, books, courses, or podcasts, but one of the most underrated ways to grow is reverse mentorship. Instead of always learning from experienced professionals, I make it a point to learn from people younger than me, especially in fast-changing fields like AI, digital culture, and new tech.
A few years ago, I started intentionally networking with Gen Z entrepreneurs and early-career professionals, not to mentor them, but to learn from them. They have a completely different way of thinking about work, productivity, and creativity. One example was I had a conversation with a 19-year-old startup founder who explained how they think about attention span differently, designing content that fits micro-moments instead of traditional long-form formats. That single insight helped reshape how I approach content marketing.
One resource that's been invaluable for this is Twitter/X and Discord niche communities. Instead of just following big-name experts, I join underground tech communities, emerging startup groups, and experimental AI forums. These spaces aren't polished, but they're where raw, unfiltered trends emerge before they hit the mainstream. If you want to learn what's coming next instead of what's already established, this is the best way to do it.
Robbin Schuchmann, Co-founder, EOR Overview
No doubt, the easiest way to pick up new skills is to fit learning into your daily routine. I listen to podcasts and audiobooks during my morning runs or while driving between job sites. If I can turn an hour of driving into an hour of learning, why wouldn't I? Business and technology podcasts help me stay ahead of industry trends without blocking out extra time in my schedule.
One audiobook that stuck with me broke down how AI is changing construction and service industries. Hearing real examples of how companies use automation to improve efficiency made me rethink how we integrate AI into roofing inspections. That one book led to a dozen new ideas for our business. If you think about it, using downtime for learning adds up. A 30-minute drive five days a week turns into 130 hours of learning a year. That's a full college course without setting foot in a classroom.
Nathan Mathews, CEO and Founder, Roofer
My go-to source of learning is actually my inbox.
Just by scrolling on social media or reading through blogs, I come across so many people and sites that I want to learn from.
By signing up for their newsletters, I receive daily and weekly wisdom, webinars, and mini-courses that all spark my personal learning in the direction that I have curated.
My inbox has transformed into my personal growth plan. A free resource that I can access in any downtime and a place where I actually want to go!
Katharine Gallagher, Founder, Personal and Professional Growth, katharinegallagher.com
The journey of personal growth is as unique as the individuals undertaking it. From interactive learning and reverse engineering to exploring unrelated industries and finding joy in hobbies, these insights demonstrate that growth thrives on curiosity, action, and adaptability. At University Frames, we celebrate this spirit of lifelong learning as it mirrors the academic achievements we commemorate. By integrating these strategies into daily life, learners can cultivate resilience, broaden their horizons, and create meaningful impacts in both their personal and professional spheres.
