Beginnings

I want to study. I want to study so I can change my job's focus. I want to study to have a better understanding. But I really want to study because I love studying.
Over the past two years, when my time has suddenly started feeling much more precious, I began to notice a strong lack of conversation (or, long conversation) that are intellectually invoking. I felt this way throghout my studies in physical therapy (and not just), but time seemed to be abundant and I could easily fill it as I chose. Naturally, I didn't choose to challenge myself, but that's another matter.
I finally decided this week to begin studying a string of courses in order to be proficient in data science. Trendy, yes, but I also feel that in my field (physical therapy in particular, sports/subjects related to the body) it is truly lacking. I love math. I love modeling (the math kind, obviously). Why not be presumptuous about my abilities and try to make my way through courses, so as to be able to hopefully pursue research that interests me?
And so I began by writing a curriculum for myself.

Basics:   Programming (Python),   Statistics,   Algorithms,  Epidemiology

Advanced:  Introduction to data science, Visualization, Machine learning

The problem with the 7-8 months scheduled (with no degree) is keeping motivated. 

A blog is great for keeping motivated.
Here I plan to post updates on my courses, and perhaps review articles that interest me. I am going to use the pomodoro technique, so will write actual time spent.
As for the curriculum: I have a bit of programming in my background (Matlab, Python) but don't feel strong enough. I also am realistic that courses will cost money. I decided to audit the intro courses, and pay for advanced courses. This way I will get to learn and review at the beginning, and get certificates for more advanced courses.