Towards Agility

Are you looking forward to taking the next step, let it be a new opportunity or a new year? I have created a Next-Step canvas with four simple questions to reflect on and grow further.

Here is a facilitation guide that you can use for yourself, someone else or a team. I am using an example for self-reflection for the year, and you can extend the time for other contexts.

Step 1 – Preparation:

Find a comfortable spot and avoid any distractions. Grab Post-it notes and a pen if those are handy; I have experienced that writing supports the brain in reflective practice. I suggest you pick a colour for each reflective question. You can use a timer to create focus.

Step 2 – The reflective activity

Reflective question 1 – What are you grateful for? (start the timer for 2 mins)
Take time, think through the year, and write down one thought per sticky note. What was it you appreciated doing? Examples could be, reading habit and it led you to learn new skills,

Then…

Reflective question  2 – What do you want to let go of? (start the timer for 2 mins)
What has been on your nerves and taking your mental energy? Isn’t it that sometimes we have more mental fatigue than physical fatigue, which drains energy? Could you write down one thought per sticky note? Don’t rush it; take your time.

Then…

Reflective question  3 – What are you energized about? (start the timer for 2 mins)
There are specific hopes with a new job, process, or year. Here is your chance to list everything that gives you energy right now. Could you write down one thought per sticky note? Don’t rush it; take your time.

Then…

Reflective question  4 – What would you like to carry forward? (start the timer for 2 mins)
We all go through various experiences; some are optimistic, and others are learning opportunities. What moments, experiences, joys, and learnings do you want to carry forward? Could you write down one thought per sticky note? Don’t rush it; take your time.

Step 3 – Celebrate and move on

Well done, you spent 8 mins of self-reflection. If you enjoyed doing it, you can go for another round with the same questions in the timebox.