The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know

This course is designed to help you achieve the success in life that you desire and deserve. This module sets the foundation for the course and introduces you to the course objectives, as well as to four strategies that successful people use to achieve their life goals. In the first video, you’ll learn about the goals of the course and how a scientifically-based approach to success can help you achieve your life goals. In the second video, you’ll have the opportunity to think carefully about what success means to you, particularly in the areas of achieving better and more meaningful results at work, achieving the career success that you desire, and enjoying a happy, healthy life. In the third video, you’ll learn about the most common myths about success that can distract you from achieving your life goals, as well as what researchers have found really predicts success in life. Happy learning!

The Power of Beliefs

In this module, you’ll learn how some beliefs can hold you back from achieving your goals, while others – such as having a growth mindset and positive core self-evaluations - can propel you forward toward your goals. You will also learn how having a growth mindset can protect people against the harmful effects of bias and prejudice and why people with positive core self-evaluations tend to earn significantly more money, regardless of their grades in school and family background. By the end of this module, you’ll have specific strategies for creating beliefs that will help you set high goals and succeed in achieving them.

The Power of Expertise

In this module, you’ll learn about the importance of having an expertise that is meaningful to you and contributes to others. In the first video, you’ll learn about the role that expertise played in Pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s successful emergency landing of a United Airlines flight with 155 people on board into the Hudson River after both engines failed. You’ll learn how Sullenberger developed his expertise and how you can apply these lessons to your own pursuit of expertise. In the second video, you’ll learn about what sets experts apart from non-experts, as well as the essential role that mental representations and chunks play in the development of expertise. You’ll also learn what birds, squirrels, and elite London cab drivers have in common and what this means for you. Hint: It has to do with how the brain develops in experts. In the third video, you’ll learn a step-by-step strategy for engaging in the same type of practice that experts use to develop their expertise.

The Power of Self-Motivation

In this module, you’ll learn about two types of self-motivation that predict success: Conscientiousness and Grit. The first video focuses on conscientiousness – what it is, how it can pay off for you in school and at work, and the benefits conscientiousness has on your health. You’ll also discover researchers have learned about success from a famous series of studies about children, marshmallows, and delayed gratification. The second video focuses on grit – what it is, how it differs from conscientiousness, how it leads to success, what specific techniques you can use to become grittier, and how to avoid some of the downsides to being gritty. You will also have the opportunity to assess your own conscientiousness and grit.

The Power of Relationships

In this module, you’ll learn about the power of developing mutually supportive relationships in predicting success and well-being in life. You’ll learn what social capital is, why it is a competitive advantage, and how it contributes to your success, as well as to the success of organizations and societies. You’ll learn to avoid several myths associated with relationship building, as well as four skills that are essential to developing relationships and social capital: developing self-awareness, creating your brand, being an energizer, and building your network of relationships. You’ll also have an opportunity to think about your brand, as well as map out and assess the effectiveness of your own network based on four criteria: size, structure, diversity, and strength of relationships.

The Power of a Plan: Creating Your Action Plan

By the time you reach this module, you will know more than most people know about what predicts success in life. You will now have the opportunity to turn what you know into actions that will help you achieve your life goals. You will develop an action plan that will have three parts: The heart (identifying what is most important to you in life), head (identifying the one area that you will work on in the short-term to move you toward achieving your goals), and hands (creating the steps you will take in the short-term to make progress in that specific area). You’ll learn about the power of small wins in achieving your life goals, as well as the importance of resilience and self-compassion when faced with setbacks.

Your Personalized Action Plan

Once you have watched all the videos, successfully completed the four quizzes, and created your personalized action plan, you will have successfully completed the course! You can use the Personalized Action Plan Template (found in the submissions area of the assignment) to create your action plan. Your action plan will be reviewed and graded by another course participant. If needed, you can resubmit your action plan until you achieve a passing grade. Of course, you should continue to refine your action plan throughout the different stages of your life. I wish you the very best on your journey to the life you desire and deserve.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the scientific basis of success, providing evidence-based insights into factors that contribute to achievement

Challenges common myths about success, empowering learners to overcome limiting beliefs

Emphasizes the importance of developing expertise and provides practical strategies to cultivate it

Introduces the concept of self-motivation and offers techniques to enhance conscientiousness and grit

Highlights the role of relationships and social capital in achieving success, providing strategies for building mutually supportive networks

Guides learners in creating personalized action plans to translate knowledge into tangible steps towards their goals

Reviews summary

Science-backed success: wise decision-making

learners say 'The Science of Success' is largely positive with many reviewers agreeing that this course helped them understand what truly constitutes success and provided them with the tools to achieve it. According to students, the course covers topics such as: engaging assignments, self-motivation, overcoming obstacles, personal growth, goal setting, building social capital, developing grit, mindset, purpose, and social capital. Reviewers report that the course's sentiment is largely positive because it is based on solid scientific research that takes a practical approach to achieving success. They credit this research-based approach as the reason for the course being so highly rated with many reviewers indicating that they are likely to use what they have learned to make significant strides in their career and personal life. Finally, the consensus among reviewers is that this course will be especially helpful to anyone who wants to clarify their life goals, develop a growth mindset, and build the mental fortitude required to achieve success in life.

The course helps learners think about what success means to them and then shows them how to achieve it.

"This course is for everyone, at any stage of their career."

"If you want help to achieve your goals, this is the best online course that anyone can take from home."

"This course provides you with detailed explanation why people become successful and how you can do it like them, backed up by research findings."

"This is a very good course. Just go and listen and if you are attentive enough you will not regret. And it gives you a very good tool to achieve your goals. Will be using it in the future!"

The course highlights the importance of building social capital, which is a network of relationships that can provide support and resources.

"This course helped me a lot to elaborate a plan and habits to achieve success."

"This online course is very effective, and stress-free."

"This is the online learning and development course I will highly and motivated to recommend to my friends and family members as this online learning course could expand and augment the social life cycle and life horizontal path both workforce and personal life."

"I really learned a lot, and I reviewed the course materials many times."

Well-structured course using scientific research to explain the factors that contribute to success.

"The course is very excellent and has a lot of useful information."

"There is a need for everyone to enrol into this course."

"This course covers everything one needs to be successful, through thorough researches and proven observations that would benefit every individual."

"This is a very good course. Just go and listen and if you are attentive enough you will not regret. And it gives you a very good tool to achieve your goals. Will be using it in the future!"

The course emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, grit, and the belief that anyone can achieve success if they are willing to work hard.

"This course showed me how to approach goals and develop my skills in the right way."

"It was a very insightful, well-structured course with excellent video & audio materials!"

"The Great Course. I am very happy to have taken the opportunity to study this course."

"This course gave me the tools and strategies to set up my goals in a way to obtain better results, also show me why some people achieve their goals easily than others."

The final assignment, an action plan, is an effective way to put what has been learned into action and achieve goals.

"This Action plan helped me start working on my goal I wanted to achieve."

"I actually looked forward to this class every week."

"I am hoping to use some of the insights that I have gained in my professional and personal life."

"This course helped me to understand everything that makes up success"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know with these activities:

Review of scientific research methods

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Refresh your knowledge of scientific research methods to strengthen your foundation for the course.

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Review your notes or textbooks on scientific research methods.
Summarize the key concepts of scientific research methods.
Complete practice problems or exercises related to scientific research methods.

Follow tutorials on statistical analysis

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Enhance your understanding of statistical analysis techniques by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Statistical Analysis

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Identify reputable online resources or platforms offering tutorials on statistical analysis.
Select tutorials that align with the topics covered in the course.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the techniques.

Create a presentation on a chosen belief

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Solidify your understanding of the power of beliefs by creating a presentation on a chosen belief.

Browse courses on Beliefs

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Identify a belief that you find particularly compelling or relevant.
Research the science behind the belief, gathering evidence to support its impact.
Create a visual presentation that effectively communicates the belief, its supporting evidence, and its implications.

Three other activities

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Engage in problem-solving exercises related to self-motivation

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Deepen your understanding of self-motivation and its components through problem-solving exercises.

Browse courses on Self-Motivation

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Identify real-life scenarios or case studies that involve challenges related to self-motivation.
Analyze these scenarios, identifying the underlying principles of self-motivation that are at play.
Develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges and enhancing self-motivation.

Develop a detailed plan for achieving personal goals

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Develop a practical plan to apply the concepts of the course to your own personal and professional goals.

Browse courses on Goal Setting

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Identify your top personal and professional goals.
Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps.
Set realistic timelines and milestones for each step.

Provide guidance and support to fellow students

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Reinforce your understanding of the course material by assisting and mentoring fellow students.

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Identify opportunities to provide assistance to other students, such as answering questions or sharing insights.
Provide clear and concise explanations and support.
Encourage and motivate fellow students to achieve their learning goals.

Career center

Learners who complete The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are individuals who start and manage their own businesses. This course can be particularly helpful for individuals pursuing entrepreneurial ventures as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can equip individuals with the necessary skills to develop innovative ideas, build strong teams, and overcome challenges to achieve business success.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers are responsible for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. This course can be particularly useful for individuals pursuing nonprofit management careers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can equip individuals with the necessary skills to effectively lead teams, develop and implement programs, and secure funding to achieve the organization's mission.

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Consultant

Consultants are responsible for providing expert advice and solutions to clients in various industries. This course can be particularly useful for individuals pursuing consulting careers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the significance of creating a plan. This knowledge can equip individuals with the necessary skills to effectively identify client needs, develop tailored solutions, and drive successful outcomes.

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Life Coach

Life Coaches help individuals identify and achieve their personal and professional goals. This course can be particularly useful for individuals pursuing life coaching careers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can equip individuals with the necessary skills to effectively guide clients, empower them to overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to uncover insights and trends. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing data analytics careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of human behavior and motivations, enabling them to make more informed decisions and drive successful data-driven strategies.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of products. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing product management careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of product development and the market, enabling them to create successful products that meet customer needs.

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Teacher

Teachers are responsible for educating and guiding students in a variety of subjects. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing teaching careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of teaching methodologies and best practices, enabling them to effectively educate and inspire their students.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public image of an organization or individual. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing public relations careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of public relations strategies and media relations, enabling them to effectively manage the reputation of their clients and achieve communication goals.

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Writer

Writers are responsible for creating written content for a variety of purposes. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing writing careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of writing techniques and styles, enabling them to effectively communicate their ideas and stories through the written word.

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Marketer

Marketers are responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies to promote products or services. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing marketing careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of consumer behavior and motivations, enabling them to create effective marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness and generate leads.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing and developing employees within an organization. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing human resources management careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of human behavior and motivations, enabling them to effectively manage teams, foster a positive work environment, and drive organizational success.

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Politician

Politicians are elected officials who represent the interests of their constituents and make decisions on public policy. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing political careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of public policy and the political process, enabling them to effectively represent their constituents and drive positive change.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing project management careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of project management methodologies and best practices, enabling them to effectively manage projects and deliver successful outcomes.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams to achieve sales targets. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing sales management careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of sales techniques and customer relationship management, enabling them to effectively lead their teams and drive sales success.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course can be beneficial for individuals pursuing software engineering careers as it provides a foundation in the science of success. The course covers topics such as the power of beliefs, the importance of expertise, the role of self-motivation, the significance of relationships, and the importance of creating a plan. This knowledge can help individuals develop a better understanding of software development methodologies and best practices, enabling them to effectively design, develop, and maintain high-quality software systems.

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