This study compares self-descriptive essays written by business-school students who were subsequently successful (n=ib) and unsuccessful (n=ll) in attaining personal change goals during semester-long self-analytic groups, using a new method for self-directed behavior change. 'content analysis com parisons of the two groups revealed three significant differences: (a) High change subjects more frequently stated goals with implicit recognition that the goal had not yet been attained; (b) Low-change subjects more frequently described themselves with little recognition of alternate possibilities.