Big Goals: A Science-Based Guide to Success

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

10 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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Explore a research-backed approach to goal setting that blends psychology, productivity science, and coaching insights. Learn how learning goals, grit, and decision-making frameworks help individuals and teams achieve meaningful outcomes. This course explores the science behind effective goal setting, offering insights from psychology, behavioral science, and organizational research. It provides a structured framework to bridge intention and execution, helping learners apply research-backed methods to personal and professional growth. The content emphasizes sustainable progress, resilience, and alignment with values. This course is ideal for professionals, leaders, coaches, and individuals interested in personal development and performance. No technical background is required, but a basic understanding of goal setting or performance frameworks is helpful. Participants should be open to reflection and practical application of research-based methods. This book blends evidence-based psychology with real-world coaching insights to explain how ambitious goals are formed, sustained, and achieved. It combines academic research, case studies, reflective exercises, and structured frameworks to help individuals translate intention into action while maintaining motivation, clarity, and long-term fulfillment. This course is based on Big Goals, by Caroline Adams Miller. From Big Goals Copyright © 2025 by Caroline Adams Miller. All rights reserved. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Syllabus

The State of Goal Setting Today
- This module explores how goal setting influences behavior, decision-making, and personal growth. It covers effective strategies, common pitfalls, and the psychological impacts of goals. Learners will gain insights into how to set and achieve meaningful goals in both personal and professional contexts.
The Emergence of a Better Way
- This module explores the evolution of workplace efficiency from Taylorism to modern goal-setting frameworks, examining how productivity systems impact worker well-being and cultural perspectives on success. It also highlights the development of industrial and organizational psychology and introduces effective goal-setting theories.
The Science-Based "Secret"
- This module explores the science of goal setting, including goal setting theory, self-efficacy, and the use of checklists. It explains how performance goals differ from learning goals and highlights real-world applications through case studies and research findings. Learners will gain insights into effective goal strategies for personal and professional success.
The BRIDGE from Theory to Success
- This module explores the application of goal-setting theory to real-life challenges, focusing on structured planning, community engagement, and the impact of social norms on feedback. Learners will gain insights into how personal strengths and behavioral change can be leveraged for success. It also examines the role of unbiased feedback in achieving long-term goals.
Brainstorming
- This module delves into effective brainstorming techniques, focusing on the BRIDGE methodology to foster innovation and structured problem-solving. Learners will explore how to avoid groupthink, set meaningful goals, and leverage strategies like the 'Best Possible Future Self' exercise. It provides practical tools for personal and professional growth through creative thinking and strategic planning.
Relationships
- This module explores how belief systems, support networks, and relationships influence personal and professional success. Learners will gain insight into the psychological and emotional factors that shape goal achievement and motivation. Through real-life examples, it highlights the importance of trust, encouragement, and social connections in overcoming challenges.
Investments
- This module explores the principles of strategic investment decisions, focusing on how to evaluate opportunities, manage trade-offs, and align personal and professional goals with financial planning. Learners will gain insights into balancing time, resources, and priorities to achieve long-term success. Practical examples from real-world scenarios provide a framework for making informed and intentional choices.
Decision-Making
- This module explores the role of bias and noise in decision-making, focusing on how they affect judgment in high-stakes situations. Learners will analyze real-world examples and understand the ethical implications of flawed decisions. The module also highlights the importance of structured frameworks for making informed choices.
Good Grit
- This module explores the concept of grit, its impact on long-term success, and practical strategies for developing resilience and perseverance. Learners will analyze real-world examples of grit in action, including personal stories and corporate failures. The module emphasizes how to cultivate perseverance and overcome challenges in various contexts.
Excellence
- This module explores how to set and achieve excellence through data-driven goal setting, personal values, and structured planning. Learners will gain insights into using wearable technology for health tracking, understanding the impact of values on performance, and applying the BRIDGE methodology to set meaningful goals.