Top 10 Personal Development Courses, Classes, Training Programs Online in 2023

Personal development refers to the process of improving oneself through various means such as education, training, coaching, and self-reflection. Personal development can cover a wide range of areas, including personal growth, career development, relationships, health and wellness, and more.

The goal of personal development is to achieve personal and professional growth, to develop new skills, and to increase self-awareness and self-confidence. Personal development can lead to improved quality of life, greater job satisfaction, and increased opportunities for career advancement.

Some common methods of personal development include:

1. Self-reflection and introspection – This involves taking time to reflect on one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and to identify areas for improvement.
2. Education and training – This can involve attending workshops, courses, or seminars to learn new skills or improve existing ones.
3. Coaching and mentoring – This involves working with a coach or mentor who can provide guidance and support in achieving personal and professional goals.
4. Goal setting – This involves setting specific, measurable goals and creating a plan to achieve them.
5. Health and wellness – This involves taking care of one’s physical and mental health through exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.

Overall, personal development is an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort. It can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life, both personally and professionally.

1. The Science of Well-Being by Yale University

The Science of Well-Being is a free online course offered by Yale University through the online learning platform Coursera. The course is designed to teach students the science behind happiness and well-being, and provide practical strategies for improving one’s own happiness and well-being.

The course is taught by Dr. Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale University who has conducted extensive research on well-being and happiness. The course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to the Science of Well-Being – This includes an overview of the course and an introduction to the science behind happiness and well-being.
2. Misconceptions about Happiness – This covers common misconceptions about happiness and why they may be misleading.
3. Why Our Expectations are So Bad – This includes an explanation of why our expectations can be a major source of unhappiness and how to overcome this.
4. How Can We Overcome Our Biases – This covers how to overcome our natural biases and negative thinking patterns that can lead to unhappiness.
5. Strategies for Happiness – This includes practical strategies for improving happiness and well-being, including gratitude, social connections, and mindfulness.
6. Putting Strategies into Practice – This covers how to put the strategies learned in the course into practice in everyday life.

The course includes interactive exercises and quizzes to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the science behind happiness and well-being, and develop practical strategies for improving their own well-being. The course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their happiness and well-being, whether for personal or professional reasons.

Key Highlights

• Most popular course in the 317 year history of Yale University with around 1200 students enrolled in the launch year
• Learn how you can design your environment to help you change your behaviours
• Get actionable tips that you can put into effect in your own lives immediately
• Teachings backed by scientifically-proven theories
• Tools to build better habits, become happier, more productive and better equipped to make big career, life and financial decisions
• Prepare you to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life
• Mini quizzes at the end of each week video lecture to help you summarize the main idea of the lecture
• Access to discussion boards to talk about the course material

Duration : 10 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
Rating : 4.9
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2. Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects (Coursera)

Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects is a free online course offered by Coursera. The course is designed to help learners improve their learning skills and master difficult subjects with greater ease.

The course is taught by Dr. Barbara Oakley, a professor of engineering at Oakland University, and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to Learning – This covers the basics of how the brain learns and the importance of motivation and focus.
2. Chunking – This covers the concept of “chunking,” or breaking down complex topics into smaller, more manageable pieces.
3. Procrastination and Memory – This covers the negative effects of procrastination on learning, as well as techniques for improving memory and recall.
4. Renaissance Learning and Unlocking Your Potential – This covers the idea of “Renaissance learning,” or the ability to learn new things throughout life, and how to unlock your full learning potential.
5. Mindset and Learning – This covers the importance of having a growth mindset, or a belief that intelligence can be developed through effort and practice.
6. Techniques for Learning – This includes practical techniques for improving learning, including the Pomodoro technique, active recall, and spaced repetition.

The course includes video lectures, interactive quizzes, and exercises to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will develop a better understanding of how the brain learns and how to improve their learning skills. The course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their learning skills, whether for personal or professional reasons.

Key Highlights

• Learn the best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects
• Get easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines
• Understand how to learn topics that are completely new to you
• Learn counter-intuitive test-taking tips and insights that will help you make the best use of your time on homework and problem sets
• Audit the course for free and enrol for a verified certificate anytime during or after the course by paying a small fee

Duration : 4 weeks, 3-4 hours per week
Rating : 4.8
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3. Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential by McMaster University (Coursera)

Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential is a free online course offered by McMaster University through Coursera. The course is designed to help learners develop a growth mindset, overcome obstacles to learning, and discover their hidden potential.

The course is taught by Dr. Barbara Oakley, a professor of engineering at Oakland University and author of the book “Mindshift.” The course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to Mindshift – This includes an overview of the course and an introduction to the concept of a growth mindset.
2. Obstacles to Learning – This covers common obstacles to learning, such as fear, procrastination, and negative self-talk, and provides strategies for overcoming them.
3. Learning How to Learn – This covers the basics of how the brain learns and provides practical strategies for improving learning skills.
4. Connecting with Others – This covers the importance of social connections in learning and provides strategies for building supportive networks.
5. Building Resilience – This covers the importance of resilience in learning and provides strategies for developing resilience in the face of challenges.
6. Exploring New Possibilities – This covers the importance of exploring new possibilities and taking risks in learning, and provides strategies for doing so.

The course includes video lectures, interactive quizzes, and exercises to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will develop a better understanding of how to develop a growth mindset,

Key Highlights

• Learn more about learning effectively
• Learn about matching your assets with the opportunities that face you
• Learn various tactics and techniques to help you survive career changes and upheavals
• Understand latest neuroscientific insights into how our brains change when we learn something new
• Learn strategies for learning that are backed by brain science, including practical exercises to apply in our own lives
• Learn mental tricks to help you focus, relax, and reframe if stress intrudes
• Option to enrol in the course for free

Duration : 4 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
Rating : 4.8
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4. De-Mystifying Mindfulness by Leiden University (Coursera)

De-Mystifying Mindfulness is a free online course offered by Leiden University through Coursera. The course is designed to help learners understand the concept of mindfulness and how it can be applied to improve mental health and well-being.

The course is taught by Dr. Chris Goto-Jones, a professor of philosophy and Dean of Humanities at Leiden University. The course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to Mindfulness – This covers the basics of mindfulness, its historical and cultural context, and its benefits.
2. The Science of Mindfulness – This covers the scientific research on mindfulness, including its effects on the brain and the body.
3. Mindfulness in Practice – This covers practical techniques for practicing mindfulness, including breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful walking.
4. Mindfulness in Daily Life – This covers how mindfulness can be applied in daily life, including in relationships, work, and leisure activities.
5. Mindfulness and Mental Health – This covers how mindfulness can be used to improve mental health and well-being, including in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and stress.

The course includes video lectures, interactive quizzes, and exercises to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will develop a better understanding of the concept of mindfulness and how it can be applied to improve mental health and well-being.

Key Highlights

• Get a responsible, comprehensive, and inclusive education about (and in) mindfulness as a contemporary phenomenon
• Understand popular conceptions and misconceptions about Mindfulness
• Evaluate the social and political significance of Mindfulness
• Interpret your own experiences of Mindfulness practices
• Compare different psychological and therapeutic approaches to Mindfulness

Duration : 5 Weeks, approx 3 hours per week theory + 30-45 minutes per day for experiential practices
Rating : 4.8
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5. Achieving Personal and Professional Success Specialization by Wharton (Coursera)

Achieving Personal and Professional Success is a specialization offered by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania through Coursera. The specialization is designed to help learners develop the skills and mindset needed to achieve personal and professional success.

The specialization consists of four courses:

1. Success – This course covers the foundational skills and mindset needed to achieve personal and professional success, including goal-setting, time management, and self-reflection.
2. Influence – This course covers the skills needed to influence others, including communication, persuasion, and negotiation.
3. Leadership and Emotional Intelligence – This course covers the skills needed to be an effective leader, including emotional intelligence, team-building, and conflict resolution.
4. Organizational Analysis – This course covers the skills needed to analyze organizations and make strategic decisions, including financial analysis, marketing, and operations.

The courses include video lectures, interactive quizzes, and exercises to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this specialization, learners will develop the skills and mindset needed to achieve personal and professional success.

Key Highlights

• Based on the four most popular courses taught at Wharton School
• Learn from accomplished scholars and award-winning teachers at a time that’s most convenient in your schedule
• Learn to define not only what you want, but also the best way to get it
• Develop critical communication skills needed to get ahead in business and in life
• Develop leadership skills in all areas of life and create greater harmony among them
• Learn how to gain power and influence, and how to leverage relationships and alliances

Duration : 16 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
Rating : 4.7
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6. Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments by Duke University (Coursera)

Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments is a free online course offered by Duke University through Coursera. The course is designed to help learners develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand and evaluate arguments.

The course is taught by Dr. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, a professor of philosophy at Duke University. The course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to Arguments – This covers the basics of arguments, including premises, conclusions, and types of arguments.
2. Analyzing Arguments – This covers how to identify and analyze the components of arguments, including the premises and the conclusion.
3. Common Argument Forms – This covers common types of arguments, including deductive arguments, inductive arguments, and abductive arguments.
4. Argument Diagramming – This covers how to visually represent arguments using diagrams.
5. Argument Reconstruction – This covers how to reconstruct arguments from written or spoken sources.
6. Fallacies – This covers common fallacies in arguments, including ad hominem, straw man, and appeal to authority fallacies.

The course includes video lectures, interactive quizzes, and exercises to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand and evaluate arguments in a wide range of contexts.

Key Highlights

• Gain important skills that will be useful to you in deciding what to believe and what to do in all areas of your life
• Understand how to determine whether an argument is valid or not
• Explore the difference between deductive and inductive arguments and logical fallacies
• Effective for people studying or working in any field

Duration : Approx. 16 hours
Rating : 4.6
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7. Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization by University of Washington (Coursera)

The Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization is a series of courses offered by the University of Washington through Coursera. The specialization is designed to help learners develop the skills and confidence needed to deliver effective and compelling speeches.

The specialization consists of four courses:

1. Introduction to Public Speaking – This course covers the basics of public speaking, including audience analysis, speech organization, and delivery skills.
2. Speaking to Inform – This course covers how to deliver informative speeches, including how to research and organize information, and how to use visual aids.
3. Speaking to Persuade – This course covers how to deliver persuasive speeches, including how to build arguments, how to use evidence, and how to appeal to emotions.
4. Speaking to Inspire: Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches – This course covers how to deliver ceremonial and motivational speeches, including how to structure and deliver speeches for special occasions.

The courses include video lectures, interactive quizzes, and assignments to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this specialization, learners will develop the skills and confidence needed to deliver effective and compelling speeches in a variety of contexts.

Key Highlights

• Increase your confidence and presence as a dynamic speaker
• Learn innovative techniques to design and deliver compelling presentations
• Develop delivery techniques for voice, movement, and gesture that engage audiences
• Learn how to use storytelling, argument, style, topic framing, and evidence to get your point across effectively
• Prepare effective speeches for various purposes (informative, persuasive, praise), occasions (workplace, special events, etc.), and audiences.

Duration : Approx. 4-6 months
Rating : 4.7
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8. Neuroplasticity: How To Rewire Your Brain (Udemy)

Neuroplasticity: How To Rewire Your Brain is a course offered by Udemy that provides learners with an understanding of how the brain can be rewired to improve cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

The course is taught by Gregory Caremans, a psychologist and brain expert with over 20 years of experience. The course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to Neuroplasticity – This covers the basic principles of neuroplasticity, including how the brain changes and adapts to new experiences.
2. Cognitive Enhancement – This covers how to improve cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and creativity through neuroplasticity techniques.
3. Emotional Regulation – This covers how to regulate emotions and reduce stress through mindfulness, meditation, and other techniques.
4. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs – This covers how to identify and overcome limiting beliefs that can hold you back from achieving your goals.
5. Creating Positive Habits – This covers how to create and reinforce positive habits that support your well-being and personal growth.

The course includes video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will have a better understanding of how the brain can be rewired to improve cognitive and emotional functioning, and will have practical tools and techniques for achieving personal growth and well-being.

Key Highlights

• Understand the concept of Neuroplasticity and how to use it
• Learn how to create new habits to improve any area of your life you wish to upgrade
• Learn how to change existing, sometimes toxic, habits that we are stuck with
• Learn how to neutralize the negative, emotional load of painful memories
• Practice a full range of exercises in order to stimulate new neuronal connections
• Learn techniques to overcome procrastination
• Explore effective ways of learning new skills

Duration : 3 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.7
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9. Become a SuperLearner® 2: Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory (Udemy)

Become a SuperLearner® 2: Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory is a course offered by Udemy that teaches learners how to read faster and retain information more effectively.

The course is taught by Jonathan Levi, a learning expert and entrepreneur, and Anna Goldentouch, a memory coach and author. The course covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to Superlearning – This covers the principles of superlearning, including speed reading, memory techniques, and learning strategies.
2. Speed Reading – This covers how to read faster while maintaining comprehension, including techniques for increasing reading speed and reducing subvocalization.
3. Memory Techniques – This covers techniques for improving memory retention, including mnemonic devices, visualization, and memory palaces.
4. Learning Strategies – This covers strategies for effective learning, including how to set goals, manage time, and create effective study habits.

The course includes video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will have practical tools and techniques for improving their reading speed and memory retention, and will be able to apply these skills to their personal and professional lives.

Key Highlights

• Learn faster & more easily using the skills of the world’s fastest readers & memory record holders
• Triple your reading speed, with above-average comprehension and retention
• Learn how to process and internalize information in a highly-effective way
• Master the exact same skills that win World Championships in Memorization – skills that can teach you to memorize thousands of data points in order
• Learn a new way to create and store memories
• Learn from highly qualified and educated instructors who are passionate about sharing their guidance in the course

Duration : 5 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.4
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10. Get Beyond Work-Life Balance – Inclusive Leadership Training (edX)

Get Beyond Work-Life Balance – Inclusive Leadership Training is a course offered by edX that aims to help learners develop inclusive leadership skills that promote work-life integration.

The course is taught by Dr. Candice McGlen, an executive coach and organizational development consultant, and covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to Inclusive Leadership – This covers the principles of inclusive leadership, including the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity.
2. Creating Work-Life Integration – This covers strategies for creating a work-life balance that promotes well-being and productivity, including techniques for time management, prioritization, and self-care.
3. Developing Inclusive Teams – This covers strategies for building inclusive teams that promote diversity and equity, including techniques for effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration.
4. Building Inclusive Organizations – This covers strategies for creating inclusive organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, including techniques for cultural competence, bias reduction, and accountability.

The course includes video lectures, interactive exercises, and case studies to help learners practice and apply what they’ve learned. By completing this course, learners will have a better understanding of inclusive leadership and work-life integration, and will have practical tools and techniques for applying these principles in their personal and professional lives.

Key Highlights

• Learn how to support flexible work environments and better work-life integration
• Learn work-life definitions, concepts and tools
• Design a personal work-life plan
• Learn about inclusive leadership behaviours that make you a more successful leader
• Explore how one can identify barriers to work-life effectiveness and create solutions
• Enrol in the course for free. Get an official and verified certificate of completion at a small fee

Duration : 4 weeks, 1-2 hours per week
Rating : 4.6
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