Lecturer of Management and Organizations
The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know
What You'll Learn
- Understand how to get better results at work and school.
- Achieve personal career success.
- Practice enjoying a meaningful, happy, and healthy life.
6 Modules
12 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know
This engaging course is designed to help you achieve the success that you desire. Drawing on decades of scientific research, you will learn what the most successful people do differently than others, why IQ is not the most significant predictor of success (and can sometimes backfire), and why many commonly held beliefs hold people back from achieving their goals.
Although this course is based on the science of success, you will learn many practical ideas that you can apply to your own life immediately, particularly in three main areas:
• Getting better results at work (and school)
• Achieving career success (however you define success)
• Enjoying a meaningful, happy, and healthy life
By the time you finish this course you will know more than most people know about what predicts success in life. One of the most important lessons you’ll learn is that success is earned day-by-day through small wins - small, achievable actions that together can help you achieve your goals sooner and exceed even your own expectations. Therefore, you will have an opportunity to complete a detailed action plan through which you can turn what you learned into specific steps for achieving your most treasured life goals.
Skills You'll Gain
- Goal Setting
- Planning
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know, a course designed to help you achieve the success you desire and deserve. This course explores evidence-based strategies used by successful people to achieve life goals, improve career outcomes, and enjoy a happier, healthier life. You’ll also uncover common myths about success and discover what research truly shows predicts life achievements.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction to the Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know
- Video: On Street Interviews - What is Success?
- Video: Welcome and Why I Created this Course
- Video: What is Success?
- Video: What Predicts Success? Myths and Realities
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Reading: About the Professor
- Discussion Prompt: Get to Know Your Classmates
- Reading: How to Earn a Course Certificate
- Reading: Help us learn more about you!
- Reading: Optional Companion Book
- Reading: Optional Reading from Companion Book
- Video: Interview with Vic Strecher, University of Michigan Professor of Public Health, discussing the importance of finding purpose in life and work. This video complements required video 2 (What is Success?).
- Graded: Week 1
Module 2: The Power of Beliefs
- Video: What is a Growth Mindset and How Can it Help You Succeed?
- Video: How the Growth Mindset Reduces Negative Impacts of Prejudice
- Video: What Are Positive Core Self-Evaluations and How Can they Help You Succeed and Make More Money, Too
- Reading: Chapter 2: The Power of Beliefs
- Graded: Week 2
Module 3: The Power of Expertise
- Video: The Miracle on the Hudson
- Video: What Separate Experts from Non-Experts?
- Video: How You Can Become an Expert through Purposeful, Deliberate Practice
- Reading: Chapter 3: The Power of Expertise
- Graded: Week 3
Module 4: The Power of Self-Motivation
- Video: What is Conscientiousness, and Why Are Conscientiousness People More Likely to Succeed in School, at Work, and in Life?
- Video: What is Grit, Why Do Gritty People Succeed, and How Can You Develop Your Grit
- Reading: Conscientiousness and Grit Assessment
- Reading: Chapter 4: The Power of Self-Motivation
- Reading: Collette and Collettey’s Cookie Business
- Graded: Week 4
Module 5: The Power of Relationships
- Video: What is Social Capital and Why Does It Matter?
- Video: Developing Self-Awareness and Creating Your Brand
- Video: Becoming an Energizer
- Video: Building your Network and Social Capital
- Reading: Are You an Energizer?
- Reading: Chapter 5: Are You an Energizer?
- Graded: Week 5
Module 6: The Power of a Plan: Creating Your Action Plan
- Video: The Power of a Plan – Creating a Personalized Action Plan that Gets Results
- Reading: Chapter 6: Creating Your Action Plan
- Personalized Action Plan for Success – Peer-graded Assignment
- Personalized Action Plan for Success – Review Your Peers
Module 7: Your Personalized Action Plan
- Graded: Personalized Action Plan for Success – Peer-graded Assignment
- Graded: Personalized Action Plan for Success – Review Your Peers
Grading Policy
Course assessments are designed to measure understanding and application of success strategies. Graded quizzes in Modules 1–5 each account for 10% of the final grade. The Personalized Action Plan for Success in Module 6 is worth 50%, including submission and peer reviews.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
