How to Turn Your Past Struggles Into a Course People Actually Want
Most people think courses come from expertise. In reality, many of the most successful courses start from something simpler: experience.
Not polished, perfect, “guru-level” experience, but real, messy, personal experience.
You struggled with something, figured your way through it, and now you’re in a position to help others who are still stuck.
That’s enough. You don’t need a certificate, a massive following, or to be “the best.” You just need to be a few steps ahead.
This lesson will show you how to turn those struggles into a clear, helpful, and marketable course.
Step 1: Find the Turning Point in Your Story
Go back to the before and after.
What was life like before you solved the problem?
What was frustrating?
What finally helped you move forward?
Your story does not need to be dramatic, but it should be specific. For example:
“I used to stay up until 2 AM Googling how to launch a website.”
“I gave everything away for free because I didn’t know how to price.”
“I avoided posting online because I felt like a fraud.”
Specific details build connection. They remind students, “I’ve been where you are.”
Step 2: Identify the Real Problem You Solved
Don’t just stop at the surface. Look at the root issue.
Examples:
It wasn’t just “learning Notion.” It was finally organizing your week so you didn’t burn out.
It wasn’t just “figuring out Reels.” It was finding a way to show up online without freezing.
It wasn’t just “starting a business.” It was learning how to earn while staying true to your values.
People don’t pay for information. They pay for clarity, the shortcut to what took you years.
Step 3: Break Down What Helped You Move Forward
Ask yourself:
What mindset shift changed things?
What framework or habit made life easier?
What system worked better than the others?
What mistake do you know not to repeat?
Those are your lessons. They don’t need to be perfect. The messy parts make them relatable.
Step 4: Build a Simple Course Around That Journey
Your story becomes your outline. Turn it into modules or lessons:
Module 1: The mindset you needed to shift
Module 2: The mistake you used to make
Module 3: The framework or tool that worked
Module 4: The result it led to
Bonus: A real example or step-by-step walkthrough
Your course doesn’t have to be 10 hours long. Even 30 to 60 minutes of clear, actionable teaching can be life-changing for the right person.
Step 5: Speak to the “Before” Version of You
When writing your course description, recording your promo, or creating content, don’t try to sound like a polished expert. Speak to the earlier version of you, the one who was stuck.
Say things like:
“This is the course I wish I had when I was starting.”
“If you’ve ever felt like this, you’re not alone.”
“Here’s what finally helped me break the cycle.”
That tone builds trust. That’s what convinces someone you can help them.
Final Thought
Your struggles are not just stories. They are assets.
They prove you’ve lived through something real, figured out a way forward, and can guide others through the same path.
If you solved a problem, created a system, or simply found a way to move forward with more peace, you already have enough to build a valuable course.
