Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most Course from Coursera

The “Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most” course on Coursera is designed to help individuals explore and discover their life’s purpose and meaning. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect from the course:
Course Overview

  • Provider: Coursera
  • Institution: University of Michigan
  • Instructor: Dr. Vic Strecher
  • Course Duration: Approximately 4-5 weeks (depending on your pace)
  • Format: Online, self-paced

Course Objectives

  1. Understanding Purpose: Learn the concept of purpose and why it’s important in life.
  2. Exploring Personal Values: Identify and reflect on your core values and how they align with your purpose.
  3. Developing a Purpose: Practical steps and exercises to help you articulate your purpose.
  4. Living Purposefully: Strategies to integrate your purpose into daily life and decision-making processes.

Skills you will gain

The “Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most” course on Coursera aims to equip you with the understanding and tools needed to live a purposeful and meaningful life. Here’s an outline of  the skills you’ll gain:

  1. Understanding the Importance of Purpose in Life:
    • Learn why having a strong purpose is crucial for overall well-being.
    • Understand the scientific and philosophical foundations that highlight the significance of purpose.
  2. Impact of Self-Transcending Purpose on Well-Being:
    • Discover how a purpose that extends beyond personal interests (self-transcending purpose) can enhance well-being.
    • Study the positive effects of self-transcending purpose through research and personal stories.
  3. Creating a Personal Purpose:
    • Engage in exercises and reflections to identify your core values and what matters most to you.
    • Develop and refine a purpose statement that reflects your values and aspirations.
  4. Applying Approaches and Skills for Self-Change:
    • Learn practical approaches to integrate your purpose into daily life.
    • Acquire skills to stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and maintain a connection to your purpose.

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Purpose:
    • Ability to articulate and live by a personal purpose that aligns with your values.
    • Understanding of how purpose contributes to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
  • Well-Being:
    • Insight into the relationship between purpose and well-being.
    • Techniques to enhance mental and physical health through a purposeful approach to life.

These learning outcomes and skills are designed to help you not only understand the importance of purpose but also practically apply this understanding to improve your well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.

What you will learn

The “Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most” course on Coursera is designed to help individuals discover and live by their purpose. Here is a detailed breakdown of the four modules in this course:
Module 1: Welcome to Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life

  • Introduction to the Course:
    • Overview of the course structure and objectives.
    • Introduction to the instructor and course philosophy.
  • The Role of Science, Philosophy, and Practice:
    • How different disciplines contribute to understanding purpose.
    • Historical perspectives on purpose from various figures.
  • Purposeful App:
    • Introduction to the complimentary Purposeful App.
    • Instructions on how to access and use the app to support your journey.

Module 2: Understanding Purpose and Its Impact on Well-Being

  • Importance of Purpose:
    • Why having a strong purpose is crucial for human well-being.
    • Research and evidence supporting the benefits of living a purposeful life.
  • Self-Transcending Purpose:
    • Definition and characteristics of a self-transcending purpose.
    • How a purpose that goes beyond the self can enhance well-being.
  • Case Studies and Personal Stories:
    • Examples of individuals who have found and lived by their purpose.
    • Lessons learned from their journeys.

Module 3: Creating Your Personal Purpose

  • Discovering Your Core Values:
    • Exercises and reflections to identify what matters most to you.
    • Aligning your values with your actions and goals.
  • Drafting a Purpose Statement:
    • Step-by-step guide to creating a personal purpose statement.
    • Tips for refining and articulating your purpose.
  • Practical Exercises:
    • Activities to help you think deeply about your purpose.
    • Real-world applications of your purpose statement.

Module 4: Living a Purposeful Life

  • Integrating Purpose into Daily Life:
    • Strategies to incorporate your purpose into everyday routines.
    • Techniques to stay motivated and focused on your purpose.
  • Overcoming Obstacles:
    • Identifying and addressing common challenges in living purposefully.
    • Tools for maintaining resilience and perseverance.
  • Staying Connected to Your Purpose:
    • Daily practices to remain connected to your purpose.
    • Using the Purposeful App to build a purposeful rhythm into each day.
  • Reflection and Growth:
    • Continuous self-assessment and growth strategies.
    • Long-term benefits of living a purposeful life.