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Coursera

Personality in Action: Science to Shape Your Life

via Coursera

Overview

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Welcome to our course on personality and behaviour change! Over nine weeks, in bite-sized lectures, we’ll explore the science of personality and equip you with the tools to create meaningful change in your life, work and relationships. Unlike theory-heavy courses, this course uses practical frameworks to help you understand your behaviour and actively influence it—whether as a leader, colleague, partner, or friend. We’ll debunk myths about who you think you are, explore how personality affects your work, relationships and well-being, and learn how behaviour change principles can guide your personal growth. With weekly challenges that you can track and share with your peers, you’ll have an opportunity to observe your behaviour more closely and practice what change looks like for you.

Syllabus

  • What Will We Learn?
    • At the start of this course, you will gain a comprehensive overview of the course. In week one, you will meet the faculty as well as understand the purpose, the scope and expected outcomes, ultimately, to help you set clear learning goals.
  • What Are Our Biases?
    • Understanding behaviour begins with uncovering the myths that shape our thinking and recognising the scientific principles behind our biases. In week two, examine the role of cognitive biases, social norms, and social conditioning in shaping your behaviour. Use the Behaviour Log to track your patterns and use the 'if-then' technique to create actionable and adaptive strategies.
  • Can We Be More Conscientious?
    • Our personality serves as a foundational force shaping our behaviour in daily life, work, and relationships. In week three, explore the science behind personality, focusing on the Big Five (OCEAN) traits. Do a self-assessment and take on a one-week behavioural challenge to try out being more conscientious.
  • Can We Direct Change?
    • Personal growth is a continuous process shaped by time, experiences, and significant life events. In the fourth week, learn the concept of balanced volitional change and how individuals can change over time. Learn how to sustain change, reshape stress and manage anxiety.
  • How Do We Change?
    • Meaningful personality change requires sustained effort and a commitment to small, incremental steps. In our fifth week together, explore the realities of personality change and apply goal-setting techniques that balance optimism with realism to frame your aspirations in a way that fosters both motivation and sustainability.
  • Can We Adjust Our Extraversion?
    • Extraversion plays a significant role in shaping how we interact at work and in daily life. In the sixth week, analyse workplace strategies that individuals use to adjust their extraversion levels, balancing authenticity with social expectations. Take on a behavioural challenge to experiment with adjusting your own extraversion.
  • How Do We Keep Growing?
    • Growth doesn’t stop at the end of the course—it continues through reflection and application. Over the next two weeks, revisit key behavioural science principles and explore how to integrate them into your work, life, and relationships.

Taught by

Dr. Sanna Balsari-Palsule

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