The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know (FutureLearn)

The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know (FutureLearn)

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

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

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
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. 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.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Trabajar para ser feliz (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Austral

Trabajar para ser feliz (Coursera)

En nuestra vida diaria nos movemos a toda velocidad por diferentes escenarios: la familia, el trabajo, la vida social. Muchas veces podemos quedar atrapados en la vorágine o en la rutina del día a día y olvidarnos de algo importante y que da sentido a todo lo que hacemos: cómo ser felices y cómo hacer felices a los que nos rodean en casa y en el trabajo. Hoy en día existe una confusión, porque estamos muy centrados en el “bienestar”. Vivimos en una cultura que tiende al consumismo, al activismo y nos olvidamos del “bienser”, entendido como ese sentido de plenitud que lleva a sentirse bien con uno mismo y con su entorno.

Jun 15th 2026
4 Weeks
Career Credentials: Evidence Your Self-management Skills (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Deakin University

Career Credentials: Evidence Your Self-management Skills (FutureLearn)

Discover what self-management is and why your ability to evidence these skills is critical for career success. Self-management is about more than motivation. The ability to effectively organise, prioritise and manage your commitments is vital for the workplace, and life. In this course, you’ll discover why great self-managers are in demand, what self-management skills employers are looking for and what effective self-management looks like.

No sessions available
2 Weeks
Prepare for Career Success at University (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Goldsmiths, University of London

Prepare for Career Success at University (FutureLearn)

Find out how to make the most of your time at university and ensure you have the skills and experience graduate employers want. This free online course will show you how to make the most of the time you’ll spend in higher education, with the ultimate aim of improving your prospects when you graduate.

No sessions available
3 Weeks
Success with Integrity: Business Ethics Foundation (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

Success with Integrity: Business Ethics Foundation (Coursera)

Businesses around the world are reckoning with the impact of their ethical, or unethical, behavior on their bottom line as consumers seek to align their customs with businesses sharing their ethical outlook. This is a stimulating course designed for beginner or intermediate learners who wish to deeply consider the role of ethics in the modern business environment.

Jun 29th 2026
1 Week
Online Business: Digital Marketing for Success (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
RMIT University

Online Business: Digital Marketing for Success (FutureLearn)

Understand how digital marketing can help your startup with one of four courses in the Online Business Success program. This free online course will introduce you to the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing and the role it plays in driving awareness and sales for online businesses. We will go on a customer journey together, to discover how people use digital to search, engage, review and buy.

No sessions available
4 Weeks
Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 (Coursera) Coursera
Università Bocconi

Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 (Coursera)

Welcome! This course provides participants with the opportunity to explore the multifaceted concept of international development in order to be able to interpret and lead its challenges, opportunities and constant evolutions. Starting from an in-depth analysis of the current international development architecture, its key actors and trends, the course then illustrates the main international organizations' governance systems; identifies their funding and financing tools necessary to implement development programs and achieve sustainable development goals; and explains how to effectively leverage on human capital to drive organizational success and be ‘fit for purpose’ in an ever changing international development scenario.

Jun 22nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Réussir une négociation : Stratégies et compétences clés (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Réussir une négociation : Stratégies et compétences clés (Coursera)

Nous négocions tous au quotidien. À titre personnel, nous négocions avec des amis, notre famille, des propriétaires, des vendeurs de voitures et des employeurs, entre autres. La négociation est également la clé de la réussite en affaires. Aucune entreprise ne peut survivre sans affaires rentables. Au sein d’une entreprise, des compétences en négociation peuvent vous permettre d’évoluer.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Creative Thinking: Tools for Success (Coursera) Coursera
Imperial College London

Introduction to Creative Thinking: Tools for Success (Coursera)

Creativity concerns the development of new ideas. Throughout human history, the application of ideas has led to transformations of our daily lives and society. Modern business activity thrives on recently developed ideas, and it is through creativity that we address both challenges and opportunities. In this module, we will help you develop your implicit understanding and skills in creativity.

Jun 29th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Demystifying Mindfulness (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Leiden University

Demystifying Mindfulness (FutureLearn)

Discover the science of mindfulness, learn how it works and why, from a political, psychological, and philosophical perspective. Experience mindfulness for yourself, and learn whether it really works. Interest in meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation has grown rapidly in recent years. These practises are increasingly being seen as scientifically and psychologically valid forms of therapy.

Jul 5th 2021
5-12 Weeks
The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good (Coursera)

What does it mean to be generous? Can doing good actually make you feel good? In this course, we’ll hear from multiple experts and explore the many facets of generosity by looking closely at the meanings, traits, and motivations behind giving behaviors across communities and cultures. We’ll discuss how generosity contributes to our own happiness and well-being as well as the happiness and well-being of our loved ones, our local communities, and our global society.

Jun 15th 2026
4 Weeks