Date of Award

1-2-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Michael Hazel

Second Advisor

Dr. David Givens

Abstract

People do not begin their lives with the necessary language skills to assign meaning to words (Piaget, 2009). People assign meaning through experiences and culture to the words that they use (Whorf, 1956). Specifically for the purpose of this project, the meaning assigned to the word no is developed through experiences and interactions with others. This meaning can influence an individual’s ability to experience positive goal obtainment. This project focused on creating a curriculum called Chasing “Yes!” using communication theories in semiotics, social interactionism, and cognitive dissonance (Whorf, 1956, Mead, 1913, Blumer, 1969, Festinger, 1957). Chasing “Yes!” is a goal setting process designed to teach an individual how to shift the negative meaning often associated with the word no in order to create positive change in her/his life. The process is made up of five steps, 1) Let go of the past, 2) Define yourself, 3) Define no, 4) Re-define no, and 5) Chase yes. Each of these steps has a theoretical basis to teach a person how to create viable change. The curriculum is designed to be taught in the form of a three-hour long workshop with individual and group activities designed for each step in the process.

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