University of Colorado Boulder

Creating an Intentional Life: Attention, Values, and Purpose Specialization

University of Colorado Boulder

Creating an Intentional Life: Attention, Values, and Purpose Specialization

Know Yourself, Shape Your Future.

Align your habits, purpose, and decisions with the life you want to build.

Ron Duren Jr.
Jordan I Maness
Annie Margaret

Instructors: Ron Duren Jr.

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4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify personal values, strengths, and interests to assess alignment with your current life and career trajectory.

  • Apply neuroscience-based strategies to reclaim attention and reduce the influence of digital distraction on focus and well-being.

  • Define a personal ethos and purpose to guide values-based decisions across work and life.

  • Recognize the elements of human flourishing and design practical habits that support long-term well-being.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

July 2026

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Specialization - 3 course series

Thriving 101: Designing a Fulfilling Life & Career

Thriving 101: Designing a Fulfilling Life & Career

Course 1, 16 hours

What you'll learn

  • Define what it means to be flourishing in life and describe the benefits of doing so

  • Identify the components that affect your happiness set-point and participate in exercises to enhance your happiness set-point

  • Name the 5 elements of thriving and which element has the greatest impact on the rest

  • Pinpoint the key aspects of career alignment and assess your own interests, strengths, and values

Skills you'll gain

Category: Self-Awareness
Category: Habit Formation
Category: Optimism
Category: Time Management
Category: Personal Development
Category: Human Centered Design
Category: Professional Development
Category: Goal Setting
Category: Positivity
Category: Empowerment
Category: Verbal Communication Skills

What you'll learn

  • Align daily media choices with personal values to cultivate greater clarity, joy, and meaning in both personal and professional life.

  • Recognize how digital platforms influence attention, emotion, and behavior, and apply practical tools to regain focus, balance, and well-being.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Goal Setting
Category: Growth Mindedness
Category: digital literacy
Category: Self-Awareness
Category: Mindfulness
Category: Critical Thinking
Category: Habit Formation
Category: Media and Communications
Category: Empowerment
Category: Self-Motivation
Category: Compassion
Category: Emotional Intelligence
Category: Productivity
Category: Mental Concentration
Category: Personal Development
Category: Adaptability
Category: Self-Discipline
Category: Stress Management
Category: Decision Making
Category: Resilience
Leading Oneself with Purpose and Meaning

Leading Oneself with Purpose and Meaning

Course 3, 18 hours

What you'll learn

  • Reflect on what it means to you to live a good life so you can live with intent.

  • Define the elements of a personal ethos and understand how to lead a values-based life.

  • Reflect on how important legacy is to you and how it can shape your actions and behaviors.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Self-Awareness
Category: Personal Development
Category: Leadership
Category: Growth Mindedness
Category: Personal Integrity
Category: Ethical Standards And Conduct
Category: Goal Setting
Category: Lifelong Learning
Category: Leadership Development
Category: Visionary
Category: Engineering Management
Category: Professional Development

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Instructors

Ron Duren Jr.
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses20,908 learners

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