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This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it.

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📈 The Secret to Learning (Almost Anything) for Free?

Let me tell you about one of the best-kept secrets in self-education: YouTube University.

No, it’s not a real university. You won’t get a degree, and there’s no official mascot (unless you count all the cats and dogs on camera).

But if you’re looking to learn just about anything—from advanced Excel formulas to how to fix a leaky faucet to playing the ukulele—YouTube University is your ticket.

And the best part?

It’s absolutely free.

Seriously, think about it: there are hundreds of thousands of creators pouring their time, expertise, and creativity into “how to” videos on every conceivable subject.

Want to learn to code, draw, cook, speak Spanish, or build a backyard pizza oven? There’s a channel (or twenty) for that.

And, in my experience, the quality of these free videos often rivals—if not surpasses—paid courses that can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Why Bring This Up Now?

Last week, I wrote about the danger of focusing too much on “one thing” and how it can leave you vulnerable when life inevitably changes course [read here]. My advice was to spend up to 20% of your free time learning new things—exploring, experimenting, and building new skills.

But maybe you’re wondering: “That sounds great, but where do I even start?”

That’s where YouTube University comes in.

My Own Experiment: Faceless Videos & Buddy the Beagle

Let me give you a real-life example.

Lately, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of “faceless videos”—content you can create without ever stepping in front of a camera. Why? Because I want to experiment with new forms of creativity, but I’m not always thrilled about being on camera. Plus, with the rise of AI tools, it’s easier than ever to produce engaging videos using voiceovers, stock footage, animation, and more.

So, I turned to YouTube. Within minutes, I found dozens of step-by-step tutorials on everything from scripting and editing to using AI for voiceovers and video generation. I’ve learned more from these free videos than I have from some paid courses I’ve taken in the past.

To show you what I mean, here are a few “Buddy the Beagle” videos I’ve created as part of my own YouTube University journey:

● Buddy Learns How to Overcome Feelings of Overwhelm and Anxiety

● Buddy the Beagle WORKS HARD to Buy a New Ball  

● Buddy the Beagle Has the MOTIVATION and Sets a Goal to Run a 5K

Are these videos going to win any awards? Not a chance.

But that’s not the point. The point is, I’m learning, experimenting, and having fun—all thanks to the generosity of creators sharing their knowledge for free.

(Side Note: I’ll be honest here… I have mixed feelings about AI. It’s a fascinating technology, and it opens up a world of creative possibilities. But I also have deep reservations about how it’s impacting (and will impact) our society. For now, I’m approaching it with curiosity and caution, using it as a tool to learn and create, while keeping a close eye on the bigger picture.)

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Your Action Plan: How to Get the Most Out of YouTube University

If you’re ready to start learning something new—or even just curious about what’s possible—here’s a simple action plan to help you take full advantage of YouTube University:

1. Pick a Skill or Topic That Excites You

Start with something you’re genuinely curious about. It could be a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, a professional skill you want to develop, or even a random interest that just sounds fun.

2. Search Smart

Type your topic into YouTube’s search bar, but be specific. Instead of “learn guitar,” try “beginner guitar lessons acoustic” or “how to play Wonderwall on guitar.” You’ll get more targeted results and find creators who specialize in exactly what you want to learn.

3. Find a Few Great Creators

Not all YouTube tutorials are created equal. Look for creators who explain things clearly, have good production quality, and (ideally) offer a whole series of videos on your topic. Don’t be afraid to sample a few before you settle in.

4. Create Little Experiments

This is the secret sauce. Don’t just passively watch—set a goal to create something small that puts your new skill into action. For example, if you’re learning to cook, pick a recipe and make it for dinner. If you’re learning video editing, make a 30-second clip and share it with a friend. My Buddy the Beagle videos are silly, but they’re real experiments that help me build skills and get feedback.

5. Embrace Imperfection

Your first attempt probably won’t be perfect. That’s okay! The point is to learn by doing. Each experiment builds your confidence and gives you a chance to improve.

6. Get Feedback

Share your creations with friends, family, or even the YouTube comments section (if you’re brave). Feedback helps you see what you’re doing well and where you can improve.

7. Repeat and Level Up

Once you’ve completed a few small projects, try something a little more ambitious. Keep challenging yourself, and don’t be afraid to branch out into new areas.

8. Pay It Forward

If you find a creator who’s especially helpful, let them know! Leave a comment, share their videos, or even support them on Patreon if you’re able. The YouTube University ecosystem thrives on generosity and community.

Final Thoughts

We live in an amazing time. You can learn almost anything you want, whenever you want, for free. All it takes is curiosity, a willingness to try, and a little bit of time. Whether you want to build a new career skill, pick up a hobby, or just have fun creating silly videos about your dog, YouTube University is open 24/7.

So, what will you learn next?

If you take on a new YouTube University experiment, I’d love to hear about it. Just hit reply and let me know what you’re working on (and if you have any Buddy the Beagle video ideas, send them my way!).

Here’s to learning, experimenting, and never getting stuck on just “one thing,”

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Thanks for reading.

Talk soon!

Cheers,

Steve Scott