Investing in Growth: My Udemy Executive Planning for Assistants Certification

When I decided to pivot into freelancing in 2009, I knew one thing for sure: if I wanted freedom, travel, and meaningful work, I had to invest in myself first.

That’s when I enrolled in the Executive Planning for Assistants course on Udemy, taught by Erin Booth. I wasn’t just chasing another certificate for the digital shelf—I wanted a niche skill that was relevant, useful, and not overly saturated in the VA world. Something that would make me stand out.

And honestly? It turned out to be life-changing.

🎓 Why I Took the Course

Even as I transitioned into freelancing, I wanted to strengthen my foundation. The course gave me:

• Smarter approaches to planning and organization
• Methods for handling competing priorities
• A deeper understanding of how to anticipate executive needs

I’ll admit—I started with a mix of excitement and imposter syndrome. Would clients expect me to be an expert overnight? But lesson by lesson, the course reassured me that planning is about systems and strategy, not perfection.

🌴 My First Trial Run: Boracay

Before I ever booked a trip for myself, I had already arranged flights and travel plans for clients on a project basis. It wasn’t even a year into that journey when I finally had the chance to become the “bonafide traveler.”

For my birthday, I booked my first-ever holiday to Boracay. Flights, transfers, accommodations—I planned it all, just as I would for a client.

The difference? This time, I wasn’t the assistant—I was the traveler.

Going through the process personally—waiting at check-in counters, managing last-minute tweaks, and experiencing the thrill of a trip unfolding—gave me a whole new perspective. It wasn’t just about logistics anymore; it was about what really makes travel smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. That lesson is something I now carry into every booking I handle.

💼 What This Means for You

Today, I don’t just bring a certificate to the table—I bring:

• Professional training (Executive Planning for Assistants certified)
• Hands-on application (tested on real-life travel planning and client work)
• A growth mindset (always learning, always improving)

For ambitious women like me, this is a reminder: freedom starts with investing in yourself. For prospective clients, it means I can support you not just with tasks, but with foresight, strategy, and planning that makes life and business run more smoothly.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Don’t wait for permission—start investing in your growth now.
• Apply what you learn on yourself first; it builds confidence.
• Small lessons add up to big transformations.
• Celebrate every milestone—you’ve earned it.

💬 Let’s Talk

Have you ever taken a course that shifted how you work or how you see yourself? I’d love to hear your story—share it in the comments below.

And if you want more stories, tips, and insights on freelancing, freedom, and growth, subscribe to this blog so we can grow together.

Because whether it’s planning a client’s project ✍️ or your next beach holiday 🏝️, one thing’s for sure: investing in yourself is always worth it.