We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Thriving 101

Designing a Fulfilling Life & Career

Jordan I Maness

Are you ready to enhance your life?  Are you craving more fulfillment and less stress?  Is it possibly time to make a career change? Before aimlessly and impulsively diving into changes in your life, it’s a smart move to take the time to learn what the science and other experts have revealed truly leads to fulfilling lives and careers.   

This course will help you design a life well-aligned with who you are, and it will empower you to confidently make meaningful changes moving forward.  You’ll learn about what science has demonstrated enhances one’s happiness level in life.  You’ll also discover effective strategies to utilize when making a career choice.  In a world that is often unpredictable and chaotic, obtaining the knowledge presented in this course can help you feel much more confident designing a fulfilling life and career. 

Course logo by Gian Luca Pilia on Unsplash

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we'll provide an overview of the course. We'll define what is means to be thriving and why your ability to thrive impacts many aspects of your own life and that of others. Finally, we'll have you take an assessment to gauge your current state of overall well-being.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Course title points to the course's relevance to career exploration and life improvement

Explores concepts related to well-being and career satisfaction

Teaches strategies for enhancing happiness and optimizing time management

Focuses on career alignment and provides guidance for making career choices

Leverages design thinking to assist learners in discovering career fits

Covers storytelling and personal narrative techniques for sharing career experiences

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Designing a fulfilling life

According to learners, this course offers a holistic approach to personal development and career satisfaction, emphasizing science-backed strategies for a fulfilling life. Students find its structure helpful for understanding concepts like the happiness set-point, the power of thoughts, and intentional time use. A significant focus is placed on career alignment and using design thinking to navigate professional choices, providing practical exercises. The module on personal storytelling is also a unique highlight for self-expression and connection.

Encourages deep introspection through thoughtful prompts and activities.

"The course consistently prompted me to reflect on my current state, happiness, and future aspirations, which was very beneficial."

"I gained a lot of clarity about myself through the various reflection exercises and assessments throughout the modules."

"It gave me the space and guidance needed for meaningful self-discovery and understanding my mental patterns."

Delivers valuable guidance on career alignment and decision-making.

"The modules on career alignment and design thinking helped me clarify my professional path and identify what truly fits me."

"I found the focus on matching interests, skills, and values to career choices particularly insightful and empowering."

"This course provided a structured approach to thinking about career satisfaction and making informed professional decisions."

Offers actionable strategies and exercises for immediate use.

"The exercises on gratitude, forgiveness, and intentional time use were incredibly helpful for practical application in my daily life."

"I valued the assessments and tools provided, especially for understanding my strengths and values in relation to career choices."

"This course equipped me with tangible strategies to make meaningful changes, rather than just theoretical knowledge."

Provides a broad, integrated approach to well-being and career.

"I appreciated how the course connected various aspects of life, from happiness to career, into one coherent framework."

"The course offered a comprehensive view of designing a fulfilling life, touching on mental habits, time management, and career choices."

"It truly provides a holistic perspective on thriving, encompassing personal growth and professional satisfaction."

Covers a wide range of topics which some may find less in-depth.

"While the course covered many areas like happiness, time management, and career, I felt some topics could have been explored in more depth."

"The breadth of content was good for an overview, but I wished for more advanced insights on specific areas."

"I appreciated the variety of subjects, but it sometimes felt like a general introduction rather than a deep dive into any single area."

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 Thriving 101: Designing a Fulfilling Life & Career with these activities:

Review the science of well-being.

Show steps

The course considers scientific research regarding well-being. Review foundational science to build a strong base from which to build your understanding of the concepts presented in this course.

Browse courses on Well-being

Show steps

Read the abstract of at least three scientific papers on the science of well-being
Watch a documentary or listen to a podcast about the science of well-being.

Create a vision board for your ideal life.

Show steps

This course emphasizes the importance of envisioning your ideal life. Create a vision board in which you manifest what is important to you. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Show steps

Gather images and words that represent your ideal life.
Create a collage of these images and words on a poster board or digital platform.
Place your vision board in a place where you will see it often.

Join a study group with other students.

Show steps

Peer interaction can be very valuable for retention. A study group can help you stay on track, understand difficult concepts, and provide motivation.

Show steps

Find other students in your course who are interested in forming a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Practice gratitude exercises daily.

Show steps

Gratitude is a potent emotion that can significantly boost happiness levels. Practice daily gratitude exercises to train your brain to focus on the positive aspects of your life.

Show steps

Write down three things you are grateful for each day.
Keep a gratitude journal.

Watch videos on mindfulness and meditation.

Show steps

Mindfulness and meditation can help you reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. Explore the resources available and incorporate this into your self-care routine.

Show steps

Search for videos on mindfulness and meditation on websites like YouTube or Headspace.
Watch a few videos each week.

Develop a personal well-being plan.

Show steps

This course encourages the development of personalized strategies to enhance well-being. Design a comprehensive plan that outlines your aims, strategies, and the procedures you can use to deliberately improve your overall well-being.

Show steps

Identify your values and goals.
Research evidence-based strategies for enhancing well-being.
Create a plan that includes specific actions you will take to improve your well-being.

Read 'The Happiness Project' by Gretchen Rubin.

Show steps

This insightful book by Gretchen Rubin offers practical strategies and thought-provoking ideas for living a happier life.

View Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our... on Amazon

Show steps

Read 'The Happiness Project.'
Reflect on the author's experiences and insights.

Career center

Learners who complete Thriving 101: Designing a Fulfilling Life & Career will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Career Coach

A Career Coach helps people find jobs, advance their careers, and make satisfying professional changes. This course may be useful to a Career Coach because it provides tools for understanding how to make fulfilling career choices. This course also covers how to set goals, overcome obstacles, and build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Coach

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the administrative functions of an organization. This course may be useful to a Human Resources Manager because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and productive work environment. This course also covers how to manage employee relations, develop training programs, and implement policies and procedures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Organizational Development Specialist

An Organizational Development Specialist helps organizations improve their performance by developing and implementing strategies for change. This course may be useful to an Organizational Development Specialist because it provides tools for understanding how to create a thriving and innovative work environment. This course also covers how to diagnose organizational problems, design and implement interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of change initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Specialist

Life Coach

A Life Coach helps people achieve their personal and professional goals. This course may be useful to a Life Coach because it provides tools for understanding how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. This course also covers how to set goals, overcome obstacles, and build strong relationships with clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Life Coach

Career Counselor

A Career Counselor helps people find jobs, advance their careers, and make satisfying professional changes. This course may be useful to a Career Counselor because it provides tools for understanding how to help clients make fulfilling career choices. This course also covers how to develop career plans, conduct job searches, and negotiate salaries and benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

Teacher

A Teacher helps students learn and grow. This course may be useful to a Teacher because it provides tools for understanding how to create a thriving and engaging learning environment. This course also covers how to develop lesson plans, manage classrooms, and assess student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people overcome challenges and achieve their goals. This course may be useful to a Social Worker because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. This course also covers how to assess needs, develop plans, and provide support to clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Psychologist

A Psychologist helps people understand and overcome mental health challenges. This course may be useful to a Psychologist because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. This course also covers how to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, and provide support to clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Consultant

A Consultant helps organizations solve problems and improve their performance. This course may be useful to a Consultant because it provides tools for understanding how to create a thriving and innovative work environment. This course also covers how to diagnose organizational problems, design and implement interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of change initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur starts and runs their own business. This course may be useful to an Entrepreneur because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and meaningful work environment. This course also covers how to develop business plans, raise capital, and market products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful to a Nonprofit Manager because it provides tools for understanding how to create a thriving and innovative work environment. This course also covers how to develop strategic plans, raise funds, and manage staff.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Writer

A Writer creates written content for a variety of purposes. This course may be useful to a Writer because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. This course also covers how to develop writing skills, market your work, and build a career as a writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Artist

An Artist creates visual art for a variety of purposes. This course may be useful to an Artist because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. This course also covers how to develop artistic skills, market your work, and build a career as an artist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artist

Musician

A Musician creates music for a variety of purposes. This course may be useful to a Musician because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. This course also covers how to develop musical skills, market your work, and build a career as a musician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Actor

An Actor creates performances for a variety of purposes. This course may be useful to an Actor because it provides tools for understanding how to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. This course also covers how to develop acting skills, market your work, and build a career as an actor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actor

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Thriving 101: Designing a Fulfilling Life & Career.

Designing Your Life

Save

Provides a practical framework for designing a life that is aligned with our values and goals. It is particularly relevant to the course's focus on career alignment and designing a fulfilling life.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived,...

Hardcover

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived,...

Thriving 101

Designing a Fulfilling Life & Career

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Designing a fulfilling life

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses