Defining Success Spring 2021

1. Defining Success in College

2. What is the definition of
success?

4. What's wrong with this
definition?

5. Technically nothing, but...
• It is a very narrow definition
• It mostly focuses on big accomplishments
• It doesn't consider outside influences or struggles in a
person's life
• It's very generic!

6. Why don't we use a "successful"
person's definition of success?

7. Why don't we use a "successful"
person's definition of success?
• It is only specific to their life
• "Survivor Bias" may be at play
• It can make us feel worse if we don't meet all the
qualifications of their success

8. • There are always exceptions!
• Be critical of the advice that
you’re taking in
• Keep in mind that a lot of
celebrities/successful people
were able to achieve success
because of access to resources
that not everyone has
• Find role models and definitions
of success that are inspiring, but
also relevant to your life

9. How does all of this apply to
college?
• Each semester we need to evaluate what success looks like
for the classes we are taking
• Getting an A isn't always the best definition of success
• Success in one class may be very different than success in
another: we must reevaluate our definition of success for
each new challenge

10. Why should your definition of
success be flexible?
• Life happens: You might need to adapt
your expectations to fit changing priorities
• Studies have shown that student's needs
and priorities change over the course of
their degree
• Source: "What Would Make This a Successful Year for You?" How
Students Define Success in College by Nancy Jennings et. Al.

11. Defining success under pressure:
an example
• A professor assigns a 10-page paper due at the end of the
week
• You have several other large assignments due that week as
well
• How do you manage/adapt your definition of success to still
feel good in your class?

12. The Threshold Approach
• Decide the minimum grade that you're comfortable receiving
• Understand the work required to get to that grade
• Complete that amount of work
• Reevaluate and decided if you have the bandwidth to put in
the time required to get to a higher grade
• NOTE: This is not something you should do for every
assignment/project.

13. DON'T JUST SUCCEED.
THRIVE.
Students thrive when
they recognize and use
their strengths.
DEFINING SUCCESS THROUGH THE
SEMESTER?
LET'S CHANGE THE
FOCUS.

14. THRIVING:
BEING FULLY ENGAGED...
Interested and challenged by
coursework
Studies are aligned with long-
term goals
Intellectually Emotionally
Socially

15. THRIVING:
BEING FULLY ENGAGED...
• Interested and challenged by
coursework
• Studies are aligned with long-
term goals
Intellectually Emotionally
Socially
• Connected, loosely or closely, to
community on campus
• Treated with respect, and
treating others with respect

16. THRIVING:
BEING FULLY ENGAGED...
• Interested and challenged by
coursework
• Studies are aligned with long-
term goals
Intellectually Emotionally
Socially
• Connected, loosely or closely, to
community on campus
• Treated with respect, and
treating others with respect
• Student's needs – including
physical needs like food and
sleep – are met.
• Student feels safe in campus
community

17. REFLECTION ACTIVITY! Part 1/3
• What goals are you working towards?
• What will make you feel accomplished?

18. What are your top 5 strengths?
Part 2/3
• Make a list!
• You will share your reflections with your classmates.

19. How do your top 5 strengths equip
you to reach your goals? Part 3/3
• Share in groups of 3

20. Take Away
• Define success in your terms
• Allow for flexibility
• Don't panic if your definition changes
• Succeed in your tasks, but also consider how you can thrive at
the University of Idaho

21. So what is your definition of success?