This post is Day #27 in the 31 Days to a Better Work + Life Balance series.

I'm so guilty of leaving things undone or simplified if I'm not sure of the best way to do them. For example I used to only use the auto setting on my camera. I read a few tutorials on how to shoot in manual mode but actually putting it into practice was such a big jump for me. I was always scared of the moment passing me by while I'm busy fiddling with settings.

Then I just happened to catch a free live class online one day and it suddenly clicked (pardon the pun:)). Now I feel so much more free to experiment with different types of lighting and focus. The class helped me know what to do and have confidence to try it.

Short On Cash?

You don't always have to pay to learn. On CreativeLive for example, you can catch the class while it's live and watch for free or purchase it at a discounted price. Youtube and iTunes U are full of tutorials for when you have something specific you want to learn. Ted Talks and podcasts are fun when you need a little extra motivation. I also love catching online church messages that apply to life and work like Andy Stanley's. Another idea is to join a network. With Influence you pay $10/month to join but you get a free class each month so it basically pays for itself.

Short On Time?

This series is called Work + Life Balance and I knew the goal is to manage the already full plate you have, not to add to it. But classes can actually help get things done faster and more efficiently. Like in the photography example above, I'm not spending hours trying to fiddle with lighting, editing, backdrops because I've taken the classes on how to use these the way I want to. I invested a little time and saved a lot more in the long run. I also think these are great for blending into the busy lifestyle. My favorite times to take a class are while cooking dinner, folding laundry, or editing photos.

Here are a few of my favorites: