5
3. Confidentiality: Don’t share personal information or experiences discussed in the group outside of this
space without explicit permission from the individual(s) involved.
4. Safety: Refrain from judgment, criticism, or negative language instead, offer empathy, understanding, and
encouragement.
5. Active Participation: Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly and honestly while also
respecting the comfort levels of others.
Instructor Note: Informally mention mandated reporting. We acknowledge that certain situations may require
mandated reporting in accordance with our program’s policies and procedures. If anyone discloses information that
raises concerns about their safety or the safety of others, we will follow the appropriate reporting protocols outlined
by our program.
By following these guidelines for class, let’s create an environment where we can all thrive and grow in confidence,
empowered by the tools we are learning!
A Map for Thriving
So, what will we be learning in this class? Imagine a reality show where you’re dropped into the wilderness.
Ask: Would you want training first, skills, insights, and tools, so you can thrive and not just survive?
Of course. Well, all of us have been dropped into the wilderness called life. The Mind Matters program is like a map
for thriving: a short training that helps you navigate the terrain with more confidence and choice.
The practical tools in each lesson can help you navigate your life and handle challenges. That’s how you move from
surviving to thriving on the journey of life. To be clear though, thriving doesn’t mean the journey is going to be perfect
or easy. It means you’re better equipped, so you can better handle the journey, even when it’s hard. I’m excited to
share this Map for Thriving with you, so you feel better equipped to handle what the wilderness of life has already
thrown your way, and more prepared for the journey ahead.
Deciding to Delay
Okay, now let’s go back to the marshmallow video that I showed you when we first started our session today.
Ask: What did everyone think? What did you notice or what stood out to you?
In the marshmallow video, waiting for a marshmallow is really hard. Studies show that being successful often comes
from doing tough things and being able to wait. Think about athletes, scientists, doctors, parents, and everyday
heroes—they all face challenges and work through them. Here is what the researchers found: Kids who could wait did
better in school, made more money, and were more likely to have long-term, satisfying relationships.
Deciding to delay doing something can seem challenging but ultimately rewarding. Deciding to go for it can also be
difficult and bring amazing results. In a research study, Dr. David Yaeger and his team let teens choose between
doing math problems or relaxing online. Those who were taught about the value of doing hard things were more
likely to do the math instead of relaxing online. And those who understood the why behind doing hard things learned
better, stuck with the task longer, and earned better grades. The takeaway here is that when youth, or really anyone,
has a strong WHY they are more likely to persevere through and grow from things that are hard.
3. Confidentiality: Don’t share personal information or experiences discussed in the group outside of this
space without explicit permission from the individual(s) involved.
4. Safety: Refrain from judgment, criticism, or negative language instead, offer empathy, understanding, and
encouragement.
5. Active Participation: Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly and honestly while also
respecting the comfort levels of others.
Instructor Note: Informally mention mandated reporting. We acknowledge that certain situations may require
mandated reporting in accordance with our program’s policies and procedures. If anyone discloses information that
raises concerns about their safety or the safety of others, we will follow the appropriate reporting protocols outlined
by our program.
By following these guidelines for class, let’s create an environment where we can all thrive and grow in confidence,
empowered by the tools we are learning!
A Map for Thriving
So, what will we be learning in this class? Imagine a reality show where you’re dropped into the wilderness.
Ask: Would you want training first, skills, insights, and tools, so you can thrive and not just survive?
Of course. Well, all of us have been dropped into the wilderness called life. The Mind Matters program is like a map
for thriving: a short training that helps you navigate the terrain with more confidence and choice.
The practical tools in each lesson can help you navigate your life and handle challenges. That’s how you move from
surviving to thriving on the journey of life. To be clear though, thriving doesn’t mean the journey is going to be perfect
or easy. It means you’re better equipped, so you can better handle the journey, even when it’s hard. I’m excited to
share this Map for Thriving with you, so you feel better equipped to handle what the wilderness of life has already
thrown your way, and more prepared for the journey ahead.
Deciding to Delay
Okay, now let’s go back to the marshmallow video that I showed you when we first started our session today.
Ask: What did everyone think? What did you notice or what stood out to you?
In the marshmallow video, waiting for a marshmallow is really hard. Studies show that being successful often comes
from doing tough things and being able to wait. Think about athletes, scientists, doctors, parents, and everyday
heroes—they all face challenges and work through them. Here is what the researchers found: Kids who could wait did
better in school, made more money, and were more likely to have long-term, satisfying relationships.
Deciding to delay doing something can seem challenging but ultimately rewarding. Deciding to go for it can also be
difficult and bring amazing results. In a research study, Dr. David Yaeger and his team let teens choose between
doing math problems or relaxing online. Those who were taught about the value of doing hard things were more
likely to do the math instead of relaxing online. And those who understood the why behind doing hard things learned
better, stuck with the task longer, and earned better grades. The takeaway here is that when youth, or really anyone,
has a strong WHY they are more likely to persevere through and grow from things that are hard.
