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Seeds of Success is a 12 session curriculum designed to assist young adults in transitional situations to improve their approach and success in these new experiences. The series is a cognitive/behavioral change model, based on the best information available in Cognitive Science. The process is very effective at creating awareness within its participants that change is possible, and then providing the tools to apply and sustain the cognitive changes needed for future goal achievement and effective life styles.
Participants learn that thinking is a learned process and can be changed. Our habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations play a key role in how our future develops. Once we identify and implement the thinking skills of highly effective people, our chances for success are multiplied. Seeds of Success participants discover new ideas and thoughts about their talents, skills and potential; and then they learn and practice the cognitive skills so change can take place.
The curriculum is application-driven, with intensive personal and group workshops following each session. Certified Facilitators guide participants through the workshops, assisting them in applying them to current real-world examples. The exercises and questions provide hands-on practice in using the concepts on a daily basis. The facilitators who deliver The Seeds of Success: A Toolkit for Getting it Together must be certified by Instar Performance, LLC. For more information about the certification process, please contact Instar Performance, LLC.
Theoretical Model and Basis in Research
The concepts taught in any of the Instar Performance curricula are designed to lead people to greater self-efficacy, higher goal achievement and increased personal accountability. The programs are based upon research supporting the following theoretical models:
- Social Cognitive Theory and the construct of self-efficacy (Bandura) – one’s behavior is constantly under interacting influence from cognitive factors and environmental influences.
- Social Learning Theory (Miller and Dollard) – humans model observed behaviors which then become reinforced through environmental influences. Cognition serves as a middle point between stimulus and response.
- Learned Optimism (Seligman) – Focuses on the concept that the way we think and use our self-talk determines how we act.
- Cognitive Dissonance (Festinger) – The existence of dissonance, being psychologically uncomfortable, motivates the person to reduce the dissonance by moving toward the new desired end result. The greater the magnitude of the dissonance, the greater is the pressure to reduce dissonance.
- Affirmation Writing and Visualization – A cognitive act that establishes a specific course, direction, outcome or state of being for the future; a confirmation or ratification of a truth. Affirmations are written and spoken in the first person, present verb tense to emphasize their attainability. Based upon a scientific discipline consisting of scientists from various fields such as anthropology, psychology, computer science, neurology and others who study the brain and the mind.
Key Cognitive Components
- Goal Setting
- Self-efficacy and Self-esteem
- Accountability
- Motivation
- Internal vs. External Locus of Control
- Cognitive Dissonance
- Self-talk
- Affirmations
- Constructive Synthetic Visualization
- Action Plans
- Stimulus (Cognition) Response
Seeds of Success Curriculum Outline
| Session 1: | A New Beginning: An Awareness Workshop | |
| Session 2: | The Power of Thought | |
| Session 3: | Barriers to Change | |
| Session 4: | Building a Trust Account | |
| Session 5: | Sowing Seeds of Success | |
| Session 6: | Attitude Adjustment | |
| Session 7: | The Art of Motivation | |
| Session 8: | Breaking Out of the Rut | |
| Session 9: | Painting the Picture | |
| Session 10: | Sowing the Right Seeds: Affirmations | |
| Session 11: | Goal Setting: A Skill | |
| Session 12: | The Action Plan: Putting Together a Toolkit | |
| Appendix: | My Personal Journal |
Facilitator Certification Training for Seeds of Success is required. Learn more about Facilitator Certification.