Frequently Asked Questions for Students

Ready for Success?

Purchase Running Start.

What is Running Start™?

An easy-to-use, computer-based 7-step program for creating your Personal Life Success Plan. It helps you transform your life – figure out what you really want, what will make you successful, fulfilled and happy – and cr eate a plan to make it happen.

How does it do that?

By helping you to think for yourself. One step at a time, Running Start™ takes you through a process of self-discovery. The software helps organize your thoughts into a plan in just a few hours. The process encourages you to think strategically about educational, career and life goals.

What questions does Running Start™ address?

How would I describe the life I want?
What would I have to do to achieve it?
Which of my goals are most important to me?
What would make me really happy?
What am I already doing to help me achieve my vision?
What specific action steps do I need to accomplish? By when?

What will I have when I finish Running Start™?

A vision of my life as I want it to be at a specific time in the future
A set of prioritized goals for working toward achieving the life I want
A plan of action for achieving each goal
A Matrix that shows me my opportunities
and constraints as I pursue my vision.
Suggestions on how to make further progress
Guidelines on how other people can help me
A script I can use to review my plan and make changes as my goals change over time.

How do I get access to the program?

Download Running Start™ from this website. Or ask a counselor, teacher, advisor or parent if they can provide Running Start™. Ask them to get on this website.

Can I do Running Start™ by myself?

Yes. Running Start™ is an easy-to-use program. Just download the software and follow the script.

If I do Running Start™ on my own, can I get help?

Yes. It’s often helpful to bounce ideas off someone else. Adults who might want to help you can download the Coach’s Manual from this website. And you can always email ask@runningstart.org for assistance.

Will Running Start™ prepare me for new opportunities?

Sure! Completing Running Start™ will help you define what kind of future you want in life and think about what you need to achieve your goals. It's a personal life success plan.

Should I show my Running Start™ report to my family and friends?

You decide. Seeing your plan can give family or friends (or teachers) a good way to help you achieve your goals. You might want to show them the "For Parents" section of the Running Start™ script.

Can I update or change my Running Start™ report after I finish it?

Yes. You can add, change, or delete anything in your personal life success plan at any time. There is no charge for doing this.

Personal Success