- Level Foundation
- Duration 19 hours
- Course by University of Michigan
-
Offered by
About
This course is an interdisciplinary look at how we can make each day the best day of our lives by examining the question, “How can you be your most brilliant, passionate self?” You will be joined on this journey by our animated host, Lewis! You will envision your “perfect day” and then slowly deconstruct the elements of that day to better understand key elements such as finding your purpose, defining success, mental and physical health, the importance of community, and navigating risks and challenges. In addition, you will hear stories from a diverse array of individuals, including students, doctors, teachers, professional storytellers, professional athletes, coaches, and others sharing their own journeys, communities, and sources of inspiration. Finally, you will participate in the What’s Your Purpose? Project, utilizing storytelling techniques to share your own purpose and inspire other members of this global learning community to pursue theirs.Modules
Introduction to the Course
1
Videos
- The Brilliant, Passionate You
2
Readings
- Course Overview
- Help us learn more about you!
Lesson 1: The Best Day of Your Life
1
Discussions
- Share Your Best Day
2
Videos
- The Best Day of My Life
- Becoming Your Brilliant Passionate Self
2
Readings
- Imagine
- "Picturing the Best Day of Your Life" - A Letter from Lewis
Lesson 2: Community Vignettes
3
Videos
- My Best Day, with Dr. Okanlami
- My Best Day, with Professor Sankaran
- Being the Best Version of Yourself, with Aaron Gougis
1
Readings
- Welcome to Week 1, Lesson 2
Lesson 3: What's the Best Day of Your Life?
1
External Tool
- “What’s the Best Day of Your Life?” - A Letter to Yourself
1
Readings
- A Brief Introduction to the Gamut Workbook
Lesson 1: Finding Purpose
1
Assignment
- Module 2, Lesson 1 Quiz
2
Discussions
- Reflecting on "Who Am I?"
- Reflecting on the 7 Questions
5
Videos
- What Do You Want to Be Known for on Earth?
- Purpose: Find Your Why
- Who Am I?
- What Do I Value?
- 7 Questions Exercise Introduction
2
Readings
- You and Your Purpose
- "Reflecting on your Purpose" - A Letter from Lewis
Lesson 2: Community Vignettes
1
Discussions
- Responding to the Three Questions
4
Videos
- Three Questions about Purpose
- Feeding Your Soul
- Defining Yourself and Finding Success
- The Odyssey Plan Activity
4
Readings
- Welcome to Week 2, Lesson 2
- Disclaimer for Feeding Your Soul Video
- How Have You Redefined Your Life's Purpose Over Time?
- Odyssey Plan Handout
Lesson 3: Success
2
Discussions
- What is Success for You?
- Reflecting on Mindful Self-Compassion
6
Videos
- On Street Interviews - What is Success?
- What is Success?
- What is a Growth Mindset and How Can it Help You Succeed?
- Mindful Self-Compassion
- Creating a Personalized Action Plan - Overview
- Creating Your Action Plan
3
Readings
- Welcome to Week 2, Lesson 3
- Introducing the Personalized Action Plan
- Crafting an Action Plan - A Letter From Lewis
Lesson 4: What's Your Purpose Project
1
External Tool
- “What’s Your Purpose?” - A Letter to Yourself
1
Readings
- "What’s My Purpose?" - A Letter from Lewis
Lesson 1: Mental and Physical Health
1
Discussions
- How do You Stay Fit While Staying Put?
8
Videos
- Feeling Your Best Self
- The Importance of Physical Fitness and Adaptive Sports
- Start with Om
- Gratitude Journals
- The Epidemic of Chronic Partial Sleep Deprivation
- Two-Process Sleep Model
- Sleep Duration
- Keep Going and Slow Down by Managing Your Energy
4
Readings
- Getting Back to Basics
- "Reflecting on Intent" - A Letter from Lewis
- Reflecting on Sleep - A Letter from Lewis
- Energy Audit Activity
Lesson 2: Community Vignettes
3
Videos
- Vignettes on Sleep Deprivation
- Balancing Work, Play, and Love
- Take Each Day as Something Special
3
Readings
- How has physical and mental health impacted the quality of your life?
- Disclaimer for Take Each Day As Something Special Video
- The Schema Exercise
Lesson 3: Incorporating Health and Purpose
1
External Tool
- “Incorporating Health and Purpose” - A Letter to Yourself
Lesson 1: The Importance of Community
3
Discussions
- Thinking About Our Different Cultural Groups
- Positive Interactions in the Age of COVID-19
- Using the GIVE model and Strength Spotting to Build a Positive Community
6
Videos
- Building a Brilliant, Passionate Community
- If You Want to Go Far, Go Together
- Thinking About Communities: An Interview with Dr. McCray
- Culture: It matters more than ever
- Introducing the GIVE Model
- Introducing Strength Spotting
3
Readings
- Introduction to Communities
- How Do We Create Positive Cultures? - A Letter from Lewis
- A Deeper Dive into the GIVE Model
Lesson 2: Community Vignettes
1
Discussions
- Reflecting on Community Vignettes
3
Videos
- Look for helper feelings in your culture
- Learning from Your Community
- See yourself through the eyes of others
3
Readings
- Welcome to Module 4, Lesson 2
- Reflecting on Helper Feelings - A Letter from Lewis
- What’s important in a community?
Lesson 3: Reimagining the Best Day of Your Life
1
External Tool
- “Reimagining the Best Day of Your Life” - A Letter to Yourself
1
Readings
- What’s the Best Day of Your Life? - A Letter from Lewis
Lesson 1: Thriving in Trying Times
1
Assignment
- Module 5, Lesson 1 Quiz
8
Videos
- Navigating Challenges and Risks When Leading a Passionate Life
- The Energy Engagement Map
- The Flourishing Triangle
- What is Grit, Why Do Gritty People Succeed, and How Can You Develop Your Grit
- Four Types of Givers and Requesters
- The Reciprocity Ring
- Making a Thoughtful Request for Help
- What is an Opportunity?
4
Readings
- Maintaining Hope in Trying Times
- Try the Energy Engagement Map Activity
- Your Flourishing Triangle
- Reflecting on Grit
Lesson 2: Community Vignettes
6
Videos
- The Power of Work
- Healthy Conflict
- Approaching Conflict Constructively
- Self-Care Strategies
- Navigating Challenges
- Maintaining Passions in the Face of Adversity
Lesson 3: Overcoming Challenges with Your Support Network
1
External Tool
- “Identifying Grit, Your Support Network, and the Tools Needed to do Your Work” - A Letter to Yourself
1
Readings
- Reflecting on Energy, Grit, Reciprocity, and Opportunity - A Letter from Lewis
Lesson 1: Reflecting Back
2
Discussions
- How Would You Define Reflection?
- Discuss the 5 C's
2
Videos
- Empowering a Passionate World
- What is Reflection?
2
Readings
- The Power of Reflection
- Reflection Guidelines: The Five Cs
Lesson 2: Storytelling to Connect, Communicate, and Empower
1
Assignment
- Module 6, Lesson 2 Quiz
1
Discussions
- Reflecting on the Importance of Stories
3
Videos
- Each of Us Has a Story to Tell
- Storytelling and Belief Systems
- Inciting Empathy
1
Readings
- Introducing Stories and Belief Systems - A Letter from Lewis
Lesson 3: Community Vignettes
4
Videos
- Introduction to Story Structure
- Storytelling: Holly Hughes
- Storytelling: Ashley Lucas
- Storytelling: Priscilla Lindsay
1
Readings
- Welcome to Week 6: Lesson 3
Lesson 4: Sharing Your Brilliant, Passionate Self
1
External Tool
- Workbook Activity: The Story of You
1
Discussions
- Reflecting On the Power of Your Story
1
Videos
- Using Your Passions to Empower Others
1
Readings
- Welcome to Week 6, Lesson 4
Lesson 5: A Few More Things
2
Readings
- More learning opportunities!
- Share your feedback!
Auto Summary
Discover how to make every day the best day of your life with "Brilliant, Passionate You," a transformative personal development course offered by Coursera. Guided by the animated host, Lewis, this foundational course invites you to explore the question, "How can you be your most brilliant, passionate self?" Over the span of 1140 minutes, you will envision your perfect day and deconstruct its elements to gain insights into finding your purpose, defining success, and enhancing your mental and physical health. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of community and equips you with strategies to navigate risks and challenges. Engage with inspiring stories from a diverse array of individuals, including students, doctors, teachers, professional storytellers, athletes, and coaches. These personal narratives will offer you varied perspectives on their journeys, communities, and sources of inspiration. As part of the course, you'll participate in the "What’s Your Purpose? Project," where you'll apply storytelling techniques to share your purpose and inspire others within this global learning community. Whether you are just beginning your personal development journey or looking to refine your approach, this course offers Starter and Professional subscription options to suit your needs. Join now to unlock the potential to be your most brilliant, passionate self!

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