GEN 150: COURSE REFLECTION JOURNAL PART 2 

FALL 2023

A journal is a personal record of learning experiences including notes, observations, thoughts, and ideas reflective of the materials presented in class. You will keep a journal recording your thoughts and application of concepts discussed in class. The purpose of the Course Reflection Journal is:
1. To lock-in and deepen your understanding of each lesson’s learning outcomes.

• To explore how positive psychology practices inspire self-reflection on the role of happiness in your own life.
• To help students conceptualize how happiness is practiced differently across cultures and borders.

Weight: This journal is 20% of your Final Grade. You may view the rubric that will be used for grading the assignment in Instructor’s Assessments – Course Reflections Journal Part 2.

ENTRY 1: MEANING
Part I: Understanding New Concepts and Theories

1. In class, we learned the definition of Meaning related to happiness. In your own words, what is the definition of Meaning?
2. We learned about IKIGAI in class. What is IKIGAI and what are the 4 parts of IKIGAI?
3. After the lesson, what is 1 question or comment you have about the information or activities?

Part II: Self-reflection and Introspection

1. In class, we learned that we can find meaning through things like religion, science, politics, and social causes. Share an example of when you did something meaningful or found meaning through these examples.
2. We learned about the 4 Needs of Meaning – purpose, values, efficacy, and self-worth. Which need connects to your personality and why?
3. How did this learning change your thoughts and feelings, or how did your peers and instructor influence your thoughts and behavior?

Part III: Experiential Component: Brain Rewirement (cannot be an activity done in class)

1. For your Meaning activity, you will complete the IKIGAI quiz to learn more about your meaning. Please follow the steps below. Please note that you do NOT need to share this result on social media or pay to have the center revealed to you. You may submit your evidence and answer the questions with the information provided at the end of the quiz.
2. Go to https://ikigaitest.com/
3. Click “Free Personality Test” and follow the instructions. If this part is confusing, please contact your instructor.

1. After completing the quiz, you will get a results chart with the middle blocked – that is ok! Just use the other information provided. You do not need to share the result or pay to have it unblocked, but you are welcome if you would like.
2. Copy/Paste your IKIGAI results chart here (screenshot is good – no need for ID):
3. After reviewing your IKIGAI results chart, answer the following questions:
4. What is at or near the center of your IKIGAI chart? Do you agree with these ideas?
5. Name 3 parts of your IKIGAI chart that you think fit/match you well?
6. Are there any parts of your IKIGAI chart that do not fit/match you well?
7. What is 1 action you can do today to support your meaning/IKIGAI?

ENTRY 2: ACCOMPLISHMENT
You can respond in paragraph format or under each bullet. Complete sentences are expected. Word minimum: 250 words for Accomplishment 

Part I: Understanding New Concepts and Theories

1. In class, we learned the definition of Accomplishment. In your own words, what is Accomplishment? How does it connect to happiness?
2. An important part of Accomplishment is Grit. What is Grit?
3. After the lesson, what is 1 question or comment you have about the information or activities?  

Part II: Self-reflection and Introspection

1. Share a story about a time when you accomplished something.
2. What did you accomplish?
3. What actions did you do to accomplish the goal?
4. How did you show Grit?
5. How do you see Growth Mindset in your personality? If you do not see Growth Mindset in your personality, how can you add it?
6. How did this learning change your thoughts and feelings, or how did your peers and instructor influence your thoughts and behavior?

Part III: Experiential Component: Brain Rewirement (cannot be an activity done in class)

1. Pick 1 Accomplishment activity from the list below. These activities are connected to Accomplishment. Do the activity.
2. Select your own activity related to 1 of the 4 ways to develop Grit
3. Interest – think of something you are very excited about. What do you want to learn more about? What do you do with your extra time? Pick an activity related to learning more or doing something related to your interest.
4. Practice – what are you willing to do thousands of times to make it perfect? What do you do again and again because you love it and want to be the best? Pick an activity related to practice. It can be something you already do, but do it again with Accomplishment in mind.
5. Purpose – what makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself? Pick an action you can do to support this connection.
6. Hope – how can you train your brain to remember that failure is growth and learning? How can you keep a Growth Mindset? Pick something like making a quote board or other inspirational thing to remind you to keep going when things are difficult.
7. Document that you performed the activity by taking a picture with your ZUID card or paper with name/ZUID. Examples are included in the assignment instructions.
8. After you complete the activity, answer the following questions with detail.
9. Which activity did you select?
10. Why did you select this activity?
11. How is it connected to the information that you learned in class?
12. Share details about the activity (where did you do the activity, when did you do the activity, didother people do the activity with you, what actions did you do….)
13. What happened with your thoughts/emotions/behavior while completing your activity?
14. Did anyone around you (family/friends) notice a change?
15. Would you do this activity again? Why? Would you encourage your friends/family to do the activity?