"I wouldn't start from here" is a quirky Irish response to requests for directions. In a lot of ways it applies to training as well. Often I find learners hoping to improve their abilities dramatically with one training course. While getting to a destination may prove easy enough there are obviously steps or directions to take and where you start from will influence how complicated those directions are.
Like everything else getting to where we want to be involves building blocks that we can use to step up to the next level. In the same way that beginners in a new language start with simple structure that they can build expressions around, training is built on how much of the "language" you already know. So before embarking on any training there are a few things to consider.
Know where you are.
This is perhaps a little obvious but it dictates everything else. We tend not to be too good at this mostly because it is often hard to be objective. Furthermore learners often attempt to reassure themselves that they do have a reasonable body of knowledge about the subject. You may also find that you don't realise what it is you don't know and it is extremely beneficial to consider this before taking on any training.
Be realistic about your expectations.
What you know will influence what you can learn. If it is the first time you are learning about a new topic you can expect it to be a bit slower while you try to understand the ideas and language. Don't be swayed by promises of instant success. Learning is strongly influenced by lots and lots of repetition and naturally time.
Take a very close look at what you really need to learn.
Often what users need to learn can be dictated by employment needs. The language on this is usually quite vague. When you go to research it, a huge list of search items you find just adds to the feeling that you need to learn absolutely everything. While this may be true over a longer period, a closer scrutiny of the results will reveal a lot of repetition and links to other sites with the same information.
For most general users much of what they really need to learn is the range of common tasks they will be expected to have to perform. More specialised tasks can be dealt with by specific training and research.
Ultimately the more users think about their own needs and knowledge the easier it is for a trainer to prepare courses that will best suit them.