Happy Friday! Lately, the days have all been blurring together — weekdays and weekends feel almost the same. But since the weekend is technically here, I thought I’d put together something useful: a curated list of online courses you can dive into while you’re spending more time indoors.
There are so many options floating around that it can feel overwhelming to choose, so I narrowed it down to seven favorites I’ve personally gone through. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your business skills, spark creativity, or just learn something completely new, these courses are all worth the time.
1. The Art of Negotiation by Chris Voss
If you’ve ever wished you could master the art of persuasion, this class is a game-changer. Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator — yes, the real deal — who now teaches negotiation for everyday life and business. He takes the intense tactics he used in high-stakes situations and adapts them to the boardroom, workplace, and even personal interactions. The lessons are practical, but his wit and storytelling make it entertaining too. If business is your focus, this is one course you’ll want to bookmark.
2. Self-Made Entrepreneurship with Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Long before she became the founder of Spanx and one of the youngest self-made billionaires, she was a door-to-door salesperson with no connections, no financial backing, and a string of failures behind her. In this course, she shares how she built a product-based business from the ground up, including the missteps and pivots along the way. It’s part motivational story, part practical guide — and exactly the kind of energy boost many of us need right now.
3. The Science of Well-Being (Yale University)
This course has taken the internet by storm — over 2.3 million people have already enrolled! Dubbed Yale’s “happiness course,” it explores the psychology of well-being, challenging the myths we believe about what makes us happy and offering evidence-based strategies to live more fulfilling lives. The best part? It’s completely free. If you’re looking for something uplifting and insightful, this is an amazing option to start right away.
4. Creativity & Leadership by Anna Wintour
Few names are as synonymous with bold creative leadership as Anna Wintour. Having led Condé Nast and Vogue for decades, she knows a thing or two about evolving a brand while staying true to its vision. In this masterclass, she pulls back the curtain on her decision-making process, leadership style, and creative approach. It’s inspiring, direct, and surprisingly practical. Perfect if you’re craving a push to think bigger about your own projects or career.
5. Cooking Techniques with Thomas Keller
Confession: cooking has never been my strongest skill. But if I was ever going to learn, it had to be from one of the best. Enter Thomas Keller, one of the most decorated chefs in the world. His course is approachable, breaking down classic techniques (like poached eggs or fresh pasta) into easy-to-follow steps. He makes fine dining feel accessible — and dare I say, fun? Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll walk away with new skills that will instantly elevate your meals.
6. Search Engine Land’s Guide to SEO
Okay, this one isn’t technically a course — it’s a comprehensive guide. But it’s so well-done and up-to-date that it deserves a spot on this list. If you’re a blogger, run an online shop, or manage digital content in any way, SEO is a skill that pays dividends long-term. This guide breaks down what can feel like an intimidating subject into clear, digestible steps. It’s practical, free, and incredibly useful.
7. Photoshop Manipulation & Editing Masterclass
If quarantine has you pushing the limits of your creativity, this course is a fun way to explore new possibilities. Photoshop can be intimidating, but this class walks you through the tools and techniques that make photo manipulation easier to grasp. From surreal edits to simple enhancements, it’s packed with tutorials that will give you new ways to elevate your photos or content. Even if it’s not your usual style, you might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy experimenting.
Final Thoughts
When so many of us are stuck at home, it’s easy to feel stagnant. Online courses can be a great way to break that cycle — they give you structure, teach you new skills, and might even open doors you never considered before.
Have you tried any online courses recently? I’d love to know which ones you’ve enjoyed most.
