Figuring Out What Course is Right for Your Business: A Lesson from 2001: A Space Odyssey

In my gap year, back in the day, my boyfriend, who always loved introducing me to important films, took me to see 2001: A Space Odyssey. It wasn’t just any movie night. This was Stanley Kubrick in 70mm! A cinematic experience! (One that stayed with me way longer than we stayed together)!

It’s a masterpiece, but beyond the imagery, and soundtrack, what really stuck me was the concept and the way it was emotionally and psychologically communicated.

The monolith, an object that seems to mean something, yet keeps shifting in its purpose. It’s not there to tell us exactly what to do; it’s there to change our perspective and make us think in new ways. And honestly, that’s what it feels like when you’re deciding what course to create for your business. You know it’s time to move forward, but the exact path isn’t always clear. Just like the monolith, your next step may be something you don’t fully understand yet, but it’s calling you toward something transformative.

Why Is It So Hard to Know What to Do?

Starting your course is like facing that first appearance of the monolith: you sense it’s important, but you're unsure what it means for you. The path forward can feel unclear, and the pressure to choose the “right” course idea can freeze you in place. Do you create a self-paced course? A membership? A workshop? How do you even decide?

Of course there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Just like in 2001, where the monolith shows up to catalyze humanity’s evolution but doesn’t provide a clear-cut direction, your course idea won’t just reveal itself in one moment. It will unfold as you move forward—through trial, error, and learning from your audience’s reactions.

Letting Go of the Pressure to “Get It Right” can unlock your potential.

You’ve may well be familiar with the weight of trying to do it right. And the more you try to follow someone else’s blueprint, the more you feel disconnected from what works for you.

In 2001, Dave Bowman’s purpose isn’t fully clear when he first heads out on his journey. But as he moves forward, he develops a clearer sense of what he must do, despite HAL getting in his way. This is the kind of clarity you need when creating a course. You won’t know all the answers from the start, but as you make decisions and take action, the path will become clearer.

Course creation can feel like an unpredictable mission. What seems straightforward one moment suddenly throws a curveball, whether it’s a technical glitch or a creative block. Just as Bowman adapts to outsmart HAL, you’ll find that clarity in course creation comes not from avoiding challenges, but from tackling them head-on. The more steps you take, the clearer your path will become, even when it feels like the mission is evolving on its own.

Starting Small and Letting It Evolve

Dave doesn’t start out knowing exactly how to confront HAL or navigate the unknown. It’s a slow process of figuring things out, of confronting challenges, and learning along the way. The same applies to your course. You don’t need a massive, multi-module course to make an impact. Start with one small step. Maybe it's a single module, a live session, or even an email series. As you gain feedback, you can iterate and build on what works.

This gradual approach allows you to refine your course with real insights from your students, making sure it truly serves them. It’s also much less overwhelming than trying to map out the perfect course from day one. By starting small, you give yourself room to learn as you go—and that’s when the magic happens.

Focusing on Transformation, Not Content, is the “secret”.

Rather than fixating on what your course “should” look like, start with the outcome. In 2001, the monolith isn’t just about its appearance. It’s about what it represents: change, progress, and transformation.

Similarly, your course isn’t just a collection of lessons or modules. It’s a vehicle for transformation.

Think about what you want your students to achieve. What do you want them to feel or do after taking your course? Once you clarify the transformation, the content and structure will fall into place naturally. When you focus on creating real change, the format will be secondary. After all, the point is to make an impact, not to fit your course into a particular mold.

Three Ways to Start Gaining Clarity on the Right Course for Your Business

If you're putting off creating a course because you're not sure what the ideal type of course is to fit with your business right now, here are three ways to start getting clarity:

1. Get Clear on the Transformation You Want to Create
   Start with the big picture. Instead of focusing on the details of course structure or format, ask yourself: What change do I want to see in my students by the end of the course? Think about the transformation they will experience, whether it’s learning new skills, overcoming challenges, or achieving specific goals. Once you define this transformation, it will help guide everything else. It makes your course feel more purposeful and helps you make decisions on content, pacing, and delivery.

2. Pick the Format that Matches Your Strengths and Your Audience’s Needs
   You don’t need to follow trends or create a course in a format that doesn’t feel authentic to you. Choose a format that aligns with your strengths and works well for your audience. Do you excel at live interactions? A workshop-style course might suit you best. Are you more comfortable creating pre-recorded material? Would an audio-based course might be a better fit? Understanding the format that plays to your strengths (while considering your students’ preferences) helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stuck in indecision.

3. Start Small and Test What Resonates
   The best way to figure out what works for you and your audience is to start. Begin with a smaller, more manageable version of the course, like a mini-series or a one-off lesson. This approach allows you to test the content, get feedback, and adjust without the pressure of a full launch. It also helps you build momentum and gain confidence. Starting small means you can refine the course based on real-time insights, so you’re not trying to guess what your students want.

Open the Pod Bay Doors …

When you’re ready to move beyond "someday" and into "today," the Discover The Right Course for Your Business Playbook is the clarity you need. No more second-guessing or feeling stuck in the fog.

The door is right in front of you. You've been waiting for the perfect moment, and what if all it takes is a simple, "Open the pod bay doors"? Just like that, you have access to everything waiting for you on the other side. The wisdom you need is already within you, ready to guide the way. It’s not about waiting for the stars to align. It’s about stepping forward with curiosity and trust, knowing the answers will come as you move.

When you ask yourself the right questions, you open the door to fresh insights, creativity, and the confidence to move ahead.

Is it time to step through and see what’s waiting for you?

For just $37 AUD, you’ll get the playbook and email support to inspire you along the way as you start bringing your course to life.

Are you ready to make it happen?

Download the Discover The Right Course for Your Business Playbook today and let’s get that course idea off the ground.