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

Explore the science and research behind individual success and learn practical ways of reaching your goals at work and in life.

8,826 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    7 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

Create an action plan that helps you achieve career success and a happier life

What predicts success in life? And how can you achieve the success you desire?

On this course, alongside experts from the University of Michigan, you’ll explore decades of scientific research on what the most successful people do differently.

You’ll discover why your IQ isn’t necessarily a reliable predictor of success and why many commonly accepted beliefs are often limiting when it comes to achieving your goals.

By the end of this course, you’ll understand how small, achievable actions will help you exceed your goals faster and you’ll be able to create a plan of action to get there.

What topics will you cover?

Although this course is based on the science of success, you will learn many practical ideas that you can apply to your own life immediately, particularly in three main areas:

  • Getting better results at work (and school)
  • Achieving career success (however you define success)
  • Enjoying a meaningful, happy, and healthy life

You will also learn what predicts success in life. You will also create a personalized action plan which will help you succeed.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Apply and learn four strategies for success that researchers have discovered that the most successful people do differently than others
  • Apply the lessons you learn in this course to your own life immediately, which will bring you closer to achieving your most treasured life goals

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone who’d like to know how to plan for a more meaningful, happy, and healthy life or career.

Who developed the course?

University of Michigan

As the #1 public research university in the United States, U-M has been a leader in research, learning, and teaching for more than 200 years, with 102 Grad programs in the top 10 — U.S. News & World Report (2019).

  • Established

    1817
  • Location

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
  • World ranking

    Top 30Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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