END OF YEAR REFLECTION
Remembering 2023 to Move Forward With Intention
Dec 14, 2023 | A Designed Experience
Jump to Section: Overview | Solution | Impact | Reflection | Contact
OVERVIEW
Deliberately slowing down and taking inventory of how time was invested helps me move forward with intention and the conclusion of the year provides an opportune time for this introspection.
Recognizing this, I aimed to create a shared, meaningful experience with individuals I connected with throughout the year to enhance the process.
PURPOSE: To reflect on the lessons and memories the previous year brought and to bring intention going into the new one.
The rest of this case study outlines the format of the gathering while exploring the thought process that informed the decisions made.
STRUCTURE
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Given the informal friend-focused setting, timing was flexible. However, work schedules and emotional endurance dictated a prudent duration.
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A well-suited venue enhances engagement and greatly influences the success of a gathering. The co-facilitator's home hosted a great space for dinner, breakout sessions, and group conversations.
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Multiple facilitators provided better management of group dynamics, especially during breakouts. It was also helpful to bounce ideas off another person when planning the event.
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Group size will influence the gathering's atmosphere and activity feasibility. These participants were hand selected based on their openness, empathy, and growth mindsets.
SOLUTION
The framework employed incorporates design thinking principles that aligns with the first half of the double diamond design process.
We engaged in a series of introspective journaling activities with the aim of both diverging to uncover specific information and converging those ideas through breakout group discussions.
Each activity gradually built off one another and increased in breakout-group size to help look towards the future and build a sense of community.
And through guided facilitation, we were able to navigate through each activity and ensure all voices were heard within the communal space.
FRAMEWORK
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To open the gathering, we hosted an informal dinner, allowing participants trickle in and socialize over pizza and wine in a casual setting.
While serving food and alcohol is not a requirement it does enhance the experience and can serve as a social lubricant.
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I commenced the gathering with a heartfelt welcome and level set, sharing the intention behind the gathering, what we hope to achieve, and a high level overview of the agenda.
Next, we moved on to an ice breaker where we alternated answering the question, “What is an unforgettable gift you have received?” to stay in the holiday spirit.
Afterwards we moved into a more reflective phase where the co-facilitator led the group through a three-minute meditation.
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What was the objective?
To summarize our year, formulate connections, and set the stage for the remainder of the evening.
How was it conducted?
We started this activity by free writing about our year. Participants were encouraged to thank about, but were not limited to, milestones, challenges, successes, etc.
Once the time was up, we took a few minutes to identify thee words that summarize our year based on what we wrote.
We then partnered up and used the remainder of the activity time to share our three words.
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What was the objective?
To recognize specific moments of growth, achievement, and gratitude and learn from other’s experiences.
How was it conducted?
We transitioned back to individual reflection, where participants answered three journal prompts.
We then moved into another round of breakouts (groups of 3) to share responses.
Journal prompts
A challenge you faced (to recognize growth)
A win you encountered (to recognize achievement)
Something you celebrated (to recognize gratitude)
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What was the objective?
To share ideas and help the group move into the new year with intention.
How was it conducted?
The group went through one last round of individual brain storming, before breaking out again (groups of 6) to share their responses through an open conversation.
Journal Prompts
How can we move forward with intention?
Questions you many want answered in 2024
Things you want more of, less of
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After providing closing remarks and expressing gratitude, the co-facilitator and I concluded the evening with a slideshow of participant-submitted photos capturing meaningful moments from 2023.
Gathered on the couch, we provided commentary on the slides, fostering a sense of belonging and beautifully concluding the gathering.
IMPACT
100% of the feedback received included positive remarks about the structure.
“Reinforced how important it is to be an active listener and how much reward can come from that alone.”
“The group size cadence from small to large worked really well for me to incrementally get used to the discussions.”
“Prompts and journaling were great tools for doing self work then and there. Other meetups ask you to do homework. This let you get it done then and there.”
“Great people, good conversation, very thoughtful questions.”
REFLECTION
After the gathering I took some personal time to reflect on the evening, capturing from the perspective of both a facilitator and participant.
Personal takeaways from the gathering:
Live a life of balance
Give relationships proper attention
Find happiness in the journey
Follow intuition more
Considerations for the next gathering based on participant feedback:
How can I incorporate more physicality (e.g.: stretching, breath work, etc.)?
Allow for conversations to flow where they may. This can lead to outcomes you didn’t know you were looking for while giving autonomy to participants.
Keep reemphasizing the theme of the gathering to help keep it top of mind.
Since composing this case study, I have designed and executed similar gatherings with intentions to continue this practice in the future.
Thanks for reading my case study!
Need help designing a gathering? Let’s connect!
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