Pat Ryan, who recently retired from Tompkins-Cortland Community
College (T-C3), has developed a new Home-Study Personal Growth
Course. Ryan worked at T-C3 for 32 years as a Director Of Counseling
and a Professor of Psychology. He taught the Psychology of Personal
Growth course at the college for years, and was also a sought-after
speaker and seminar leader in the same field.
“In the past there
have been a few interesting stories
written about personal growth. The problem with these is that, while
they usually have an inspirational message, they are often weak on
how to put that message into practice. On the other hand, there have
been countless self-help books
written. These usually have tons of ‘how to’ material, but are
sometimes deadly boring to read” says Ryan.
“I wanted to
create a new genre. Something that was not just a story; not just a
‘how to’ book—something that was in between- what I call a
‘Working Story’.
The Journey
is a working story about a fictional character, Sarah; her struggle
to take control of her life, her quest to find her Life
Purpose, and her challenge to live that purpose.”
The
Journey is the result of years of research and
experience. It has also been “field-tested” with real students
the past two years. “Of all the courses and seminars I’ve
developed over the past 20 years, I’m proudest of
The Journey.”
says Ryan. “It really is a complete system that helps people: take
control of their thoughts, emotions and actions; overcome
self-defeating beliefs; discover their personal mission/vision/life
purpose; set, and achieve, worthy goals; manage their time and
priorities; and how to understand and overcome resistance (‘stay
the course’).”
“In
addition, since it’s written in a story/narrative style, it’s
fun to read. Imagine a course so real that it is almost like sitting
behind one-way glass and watching over 30 hours of personal growth
coaching.” says Ryan. The course also has 5 built-in workbooks-so
that the reader can put the information to work in their life.