The five-week class condensed the Mindfulness Based Achievement curriculum into a shorter, more flexible format. It was created for people who liked the idea of the longer ten-week programme but needed to fit learning around a busy schedule. Everything was delivered as recordings, so there were no fixed live sessions to attend.

What the course consisted of

Participants received:
– the complete curriculum in five recorded classes
– a workbook containing notes and action steps
– membership in a private online forum
– bonus audios aimed at changing habits
– simple techniques for building mindfulness into daily life

In the January to February 2014 edition described in the archive, one new class recording was released each Thursday morning over five consecutive weeks. Once a recording was posted, students had unlimited access to it and could download it and listen whenever it suited them.

How it compares with the longer class

The two online classes share the same curriculum. The difference lies in support. The ten-week class adds live group calls and stretches the lessons over a longer period, while the five-week version is self-paced listening with the forum as the main place for contact. People who prefer to move quickly, who travel often, or who are unsure about committing to calls tend to find the shorter format easier.

The thinking behind the curriculum

The lessons are structured to help participants be intentional about the success they want and to keep life in balance while chasing it. Across the five recordings, the instructors walk through the steps needed to picture a dream goal and then take action on it. The curriculum includes:

1. Guided visualisation, where you imagine your desired future in detail.
2. Conscious goal setting, which turns the picture into specific steps.
3. Meditation, kept short so that it becomes a habit.
4. Affirmations, used to replace self-critical thoughts with supportive ones.
5. Appreciation and gratitude, noticing what is already going well.

The creators describe the aim as helping people reach their full potential in a way that is both effective and fun, with less stress and anxiety than usual. This is the stated intent of the programme, not a promise of any particular result.

Practical tips for self-paced learners

Anyone taking a recorded course can improve their experience with a few habits. Block out a regular time each week, ideally right after a new class is released, so the material is fresh. Work through the workbook questions in writing rather than only in your head. Pick one action step per week and finish it before moving on. Use the forum, if one is available, to compare notes with other participants and keep yourself accountable.

Questions people typically ask

Is there any live contact? In this format the forum replaced live calls, so contact was written and asynchronous.

What if I fall behind? Because recordings stay available, a student can catch up at any time and do not lose access when the next class is released.

Do I need meditation experience? No. The exercises are intended to work for both newcomers and regular practitioners.

Is this a medical or therapeutic programme? No. It is a self-development course, and anyone with a health concern should consult a qualified professional.

About the trainers

The curriculum was written and taught by Lisa Abramson and Vanessa Loder. Both left high-pressure careers, Lisa in technology and marketing and Vanessa in finance, and both describe mindfulness as the thing that changed how they approach success. The page on Mindfulness Based Achievement tells their stories in more detail.

Where to go next

Browse the full list of classes to see how this option sits next to coaching, retreats and events, or visit the home page. Prices, start dates and sign-up links in the archived page belonged to a past enrolment and are not reproduced here, and the participant testimonials have been left out.

A caution

Mindfulness and goal-setting courses are educational tools. They are not a replacement for professional advice if you are dealing with a mental health condition, medical problem or financial decision.