Living on Purpose

A distance learning program

January 10 - February 9, 2011


Ready to register visit here.

For further information, or to register by phone call 802-453-4440 / 800-950-6034
You can also email us todo@todoinstitute.com

Many of us desire to live a more purposeful life. We want to use our time well, to put our energy towards that which truly matters, to leave behind a positive legacy. But when we step back and take an honest look at how we're living . . . we're not satisfied. Maybe we're spending too much time doing things that feel urgent, but aren't particularly important. Maybe we find ourselves frequently being pulled off course by our feelings - feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression. Maybe we just procrastinate on doing what we know we need to do or maybe we're just confused about what our purpose should really be. This course is designed to help you get on the path to a more purposeful life. We'll draw on exercises of self-reflection (Naikan) and methods from Morita therapy (known as the Psychology of Action). We'll incorporate ideas from Viktor Frankl, Stephen Covey, Richard Leider, and William Damon. This is a course about direction - about finding direction, setting direction, and staying on course.

This is the third year of offering this course and each year we have to close registration early because of tremendous interest.  The course also offers 16 credits towards the ToDo Institute's Certification program.

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." -- Helen Keller

This program requires an average commitment of about 30 minutes per day -- a substantial but not overwhelming commitment. Yet with the structured guidance provided by this program, and the online support of other program participants from around the world, you may actually succeed in devoting 15 hours during the course of the month towards the goal of living on purpose. You may be very pleasantly surprised by the noticeable difference these efforts can make.

This program includes daily assignments/exercises, written support materials, and a faculty advisor who you can contact during the month for feedback, consultation or questions.

The program’s online discussion list is open only to class participants and allows you to share your experiences, ideas and comments related to the theme of simplifying. Many participants have found that the discussion enhances their efforts. The ideas, tips, challenges and successes that are shared on the list contribute to a sense of camaraderie amongst participants, provide an ongoing stream of real-life examples, and create a sense of shared purpose. As part of a larger learning community, each participant’s efforts not only benefit their own life but also support those making a similar effort.


Early Registration Discount.  Just register at least 15 days before the start of the program to receive a $5 discount.  ($80 for non-members; $65 for members).   

Alumni Discount.  If you have participated in this program in the past, you can receive a 50% alumni discount. (Overseas participants have additional shipping cost.)

Credit toward certification.  This program provides 16 credits toward Certification in Japanese Psychology.  Those seeking credit need to submit a completed journal and a 1-2 page essay summarizing their experience in the program within 30 days of the program's completion.  Further information about the ToDo Institute's certification process can be found here.

If you'd like more information about what we do, please take a tour of our homepage and browse through our library and bookstore.  Thank you.

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Distance Learning Programs

Our distance learning programs are practice programs. The emphasis is on doing exercises and assignments and learning from your own experience. You should be prepared to devote an average of 30 minutes per day to the exercises and assignments. As part of a larger learning community, your training not only benefits you but also supports others who are making a similar effort.

The tuition cost is $70 per program for members and $85 for non-members; the cost for a couple registering together at the same address is $20 more. Tuition includes written materials and/or audio CD, calendar of assignments for the entire month, participation on the private mailing list for the course, shipping costs and access to a program advisor throughout the month. There is an additional discount of $30 if you register for at least three programs in this series. Additional discounts are available for alumni (please call). If you would like more information about these programs please contact us at (802) 453-4440 or by e-mail todo@todoinstitute.com. You may also register on-line.

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Who Are We?

The ToDo Institute is a non-profit educational center located nestled in the foothills of the Green mountains in central Vermont. We serve as a meeting place between east and west, where methods of Japanese Psychology blend with western culture to provide powerful tools for enhancing our lives. The applications of our work bridge the gap between the spiritual, the psychological and the practical. Facilitators for this distance learning program include Linda Anderson Krech, MSW and co-author of A Finger Pointing to the Moon: A Workbook for Establishing Direction and Focus in Daily Life.

If you’d like more information about what we do, you can take a tour at our homepage and browse through our library. Thank you.