This 10-minute ritual (which I do every year) always brings unexpected insights. Over the years, I’ve shared it with individuals and teams, and countless people have reported back how much they appreciated the exercise.
STEP 1 – GET YOUR SUPPLIES
- Index cards*—have approx 30 blank cards per person
- Pens
- Timer
*I strongly recommend you NOT do this in your device. Writing physically by hand on paper is very powerful
STEP 2 – GATHER YOUR TEAM or FRIENDS/FAMILY (virtually or live)
- Set aside 10 min for the exercise
- (Block additional time if you want to share and discuss)
STEP 3 – REVIEW & RESET (10 min total)
Important Note: for this to work its magic, no one should look at their calendars. The key is to tap into your heart and soul…not your head.
- Set the timer for 3 minutes
- #1 – GREAT: Then, for 3 minutes, everyone jots down (on their own index cards without talking) all that they can remember from last year that was GREAT.
- #2 – CHALLENGING: Then, for 3 minutes, everyone jots down (on their own index cards without talking) all that they can remember from last year that was CHALLENGING.
- #3 – NEXT YEAR: Then, for 3 minutes, everyone jots down (on their own index cards without talking) all that they would like to do/experience/see/implement/add more of NEXT YEAR.
STEP 4 – SHARE (you’ll need more time for this)
- Each team member reads off their cards by category. So, for example, everyone (one by one) reads their notes on what was GREAT. Then everyone reads their notes on what was CHALLENGING, etc.
- The key here is not to interrupt each other. This is the time for listening.
- If you have a very large team, you can divide people into groups or breakouts.
STEP 5 – DISCUSS
- For this phase, you’ll want to have a facilitated discussion, otherwise it can go a bit sideways.
- If you need help, my team and I can help. Please reach out to us at Studio(at)VictoriaLabalme.com.
Risk Forward & Rock On,
Victoria
