LifeDesign: mindsets, skillsets, and habits for a more joyful and purposeful life

(1 Credit Hour) · Undergraduate

LifeDesign: mindsets, skillsets, and habits for a more joyful and purposeful life: The workshop will explore different mindsets (creative confidence, mindfulness, gratitude, and growth mindset) and then work to translate those mindsets through skills and habits into something that might usefully help shape students' unique journeys. The workshop will help each student develop a personal Motivating Question, using design thinking (a human-centered, creative approach that engages inspiration, ideation, and implementation) to make tangible progress on that question. Students' research and work on their MQ can be both a starting point and a pathway for their learning journey. A MQ might range from conceptual ones such as "How do I find more joy in my life?" or "How might I explore my own purpose more creatively and expansively?" to more operational ones such as "How might I develop a mindfulness practice authentic for me?" or "How do I apply my interests and talents to have a greater social impact on X?" In addition to working on their MQ, each student will identify and work to create a new habit or change an old one, with the support of a partner. The larger class will be organized into four facilitated LifeDesign Teams of typically six students each. A facilitator will accompany each LifeDesign Team. These facilitators, many former Inspired Leadership Initiative Fellows or former students, have fascinating and diverse life experiences, and an openness and enthusiasm to support student journeys. Expected Outcomes: LifeDesign will involve 1. Exploring the science and practice of well-being 2. Developing and gaining insights to a personally meaningful Motivating Question 3. Creating/changing a habit that is important to you (working with a peer in the class) 4. Identifying one idea from the workshop that you will teach/share with at least two other people (who are not part of the class) before the final session 5. Synthesizing and sharing insights that have been useful to you with members of your LifeTeam.