The Truth About the Right Time to Start Your Online Course
Apr 07, 2025Your Best Idea Is Already Inside You
Have you ever had a moment where you thought, “I have the expertise to help more people, but I just don’t know where to start”? Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I don’t have an audience, a website, or a social media following, so why even try?” I get it—I’ve been there too. We focus on what we’re missing and overlook everything we already have: our experiences, our education, and most of all, our passion for helping people.
Here’s the truth: You already have everything you need to begin. What you’ve lived through, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve helped others—that’s the heart of a meaningful online course. When we stop chasing perfection and start noticing our strengths, something powerful happens. We realize we don’t need to be like everyone else. We need to be ourselves. That’s where real course creation begins—with authenticity.
Confidence Comes Later—Courage Comes First
When starting something new, fear always shows up first. You might think, “Who am I to do this?” or “What if I fail?” But here’s the deal: courage comes before confidence. Confidence isn’t something you start with—it’s something you build along the way. I remember standing at the bottom of a 10-story water slide, completely unsure I could make it to the top. But with each step, my courage grew. By the time I reached the top and took the plunge, my confidence had caught up.
Course creation works the same way. That first step—sharing your idea, doing research, writing down a plan—feels scary. But once you take it, the next step gets easier. Confidence comes from doing, not waiting. So if you’re thinking about creating a course for a side hustle or passive income, don’t wait to feel ready. Just take one step. Google your course idea. See what people are saying. You’ll be amazed at how one action leads to another.
You Don’t Have to Build Alone
There’s a myth that entrepreneurs do everything by themselves. But let me tell you something important: you are not meant to build alone. Whether you’re a therapist, coach, or just someone on a mission to help others, community is your secret weapon. Think of it like hiking through a swamp. It’s messy, it’s hard, and sometimes you trip—but when you’re with others, it’s also fun. You laugh, you sing, you help each other up.
In my early days, I joined groups and found mentors who were a few steps ahead of me. Their support made a huge difference. They reminded me that the hard parts are normal. Community gives us courage, accountability, and a space to share wins and struggles. So if you're stepping into course creation, find your people. Join a mastermind, a Facebook group, or even a local meet-up. Just don’t do it in isolation.
Let Your Mission Guide You
One of the biggest reasons people want to create online courses is because they feel called to something bigger. They’re not just looking to make money—they’re looking to make a difference. That’s why I always say, let your mission guide you. When you build from your heart, when your course comes from your own journey, people notice. They see your passion. They trust you more.
It’s easy to compare ourselves to big-name speakers or polished influencers. But the truth is, people connect with what’s real. Your messy moments, your hard-won lessons, your honest stories—those are the things that make your course special. As Tad Hargrave said, “If your product solves everybody’s problem, then that’s a problem.” Niche down. Be specific. Be real. That’s how your course becomes powerful.
Step Into the New You
Change always costs something. As Brianna Wiest said in The Mountain Is You, “Your new life is going to cost you your old one.” When you step into something new—like starting an online course—you might lose some comfort. You might lose some certainty. But you gain something better: growth. A new version of yourself that’s bold, creative, and living with purpose.
Today, I want you to take one small step toward the life you imagine. Don’t worry if it’s perfect. Don’t worry if it’s small. Just take the step. Whether it’s researching your topic, writing your first lesson, or finding a community, that one action could lead to something amazing. You already have what it takes. Trust your spark, walk the path, and surround yourself with people who cheer you on.
If this post sparked something in you, join the Therapist’s Chair to Course Challenge.
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