The Self-Improvement Class You Should Sign Up for in 2021, Based on Your New Year’s Resolution
New year, new beginning. January is the time when many of us look to make improvements in our lives, whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, pushing forward in your career, cultivating a new hobby, or experimenting in the kitchen. This is the time to make it happen, but you don’t have to go it alone. Below are some of the best self-improvement classes on the market that will help you achieve your 2021 goals—and right now, you can snag amazing introductory deals and discounts on quite a few of them. Scroll on to find the right class for you based on your New Year’s resolutions.
Resolution: Learn a New Skill (or Two)
Perhaps you’d love to take an interior design class with Kelly Wearstler, garden with Ron Finley, teach your old dog new tricks with Brandon McMillan, get schooled in the kitchen with Gordon Ramsey, or perfect your writing with Judy Blume? The gift of MasterClass makes that all possible. What is MasterClass? It’s an immersive online experience that gives you insight from world-known experts from different career fields who are at the top of their game. Each class includes extensive pre-recorded video content, a class workbook, interactive assignments, and community activities like class discussions. Even better? The videos are viewable at any time, and they can be paused, fast-forwarded, and re-watched. Classes can be purchased individually—there are over 70 to choose from—or sign up for an annual All-Access Pass ($180).
Buy: MasterClass All-Access Pass, $180
Resolution: Jumpstart Your 2021 Health Goals
Ditch the treadmill and your traditional gym membership for a fitness routine that gets you excited to work out. Fyt is an online membership service that connects you to a personal trainer who can work with your schedule and fitness needs. Best of all, they offer virtual training through their app, Fyt Duo. No gym membership is required: Your trainer will work with you over Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Facebook Messenger from wherever you are and accommodate workouts to your goals, resources, injuries, and workout preferences. They’re accessible 24/7 to answer questions and keep you on track. For a limited time, you can start a two-week free trial to see if Fyt Duo is right for you—after that, it’s $129 per month (less than $5 a day!).
Buy: Fyt Duo Membership, starting at $129 per month
Resolution: Build Your Resume
Looking to further your career goals in 2021? There are tons of sites that help you learn cool new skills from the comfort of your couch. Start with a LinkedIn Learning Premium membership, which gives you unlimited access to over 16,000 courses taught by professionals in countless fields. Courses are self-directed, completely virtual, and personalized to your interests. As you learn, you’ll earn certificates to add to your LinkedIn profile that will make you a standout candidate the next time you pass around your resume. They offer a one-month free trial, and after that, annual membership is just $19.99 per month. Plus, you’ll get LinkedIn’s Premium Career features, so you have access to insights on job applications, the ability to make connections outside of your network, and more!
Buy: LinkedIn Learning Premium, $19.99 a month with annual subscription
Resolution: Take a Course for Personal Development
When it comes to learning something new, and maybe even getting a degree in it, Coursera is a fantastic (and affordable!) online option. Featuring collaborations with over 190 leading companies and universities, including Google and Yale, Coursera offers courses and programs in everything from coding to leadership to psychology. Hundreds of the courses offered are free, while paid courses provide additional hands-on projects and quizzes, plus a certificate upon completion. You can stick to the freebies, or opt for a Coursera Plus membership that gives you unlimited access to over 3,000 courses and certificates for $399 per year.
Buy: Coursera Plus membership, $399 for one year
Resolution: Try a New Craft
I love crafting, but starting a new creative hobby can be challenging on your own. Thanks to Craftsy, learning to paint, sew, embroider, crochet, and even bake couldn’t be easier. These expert-led classes make picking up new crafts simple and fun, and there’s a 7-day trial period so you can be sure you love it before purchasing a subscription. You could even try sewing a few DIY face masks for you and your friends! Right now, you can save 40 percent off of classes—yes, you read that right—with the code SAVE2021. Check out their complete class listings here to get started.
Buy: Craftsy membership, prices vary
Resolution: Learn to Cook New Cuisines
Maybe your 2021 goal is to perfect your homemade pasta game, or simply to explore a world of cuisines from the comfort of your kitchen. Either way, Airbnb has you covered. Through their Online Experiences, you can learn endless new recipes from all over the globe. From gnocchi to empanadas to dumplings, there’s something for every set of taste buds, with an average price of $24 per class.
Buy: Airbnb Online Experiences, prices vary
Resolution: Improve Your Work Performance
Even if you have a degree, lots of universities don’t teach key skills that can help you go above and beyond in the workplace. Enter: Udemy, the world’s largest database of online video courses. Learn coveted skills like Python, social media management, Photoshop, and even how to discover your life’s purpose. In light of the new year, they’re offering courses starting at $9.99 through Jan. 7, so jump on it while you can!
Buy: Udemy courses, prices vary