The Most Important Thing Exercise

Objective:  Get job seekers to recognize what is most important in their life and to orient their activities around that "one thing."

Materials:  10 index cards for each person.  Scented markers, enough for each person, or a pen for each person. Flipchart optional.

Note: This exercise does not work well in auditorium seating where everyone sits in rows.  It is ideal for round circles.  If at all possible, get everyone in a round circle.

Duration:  15 minutes

Method

Say:  As job seekers you are responsible for getting a job. In addition, though, it is important that you know what is most important to you.

Do: Pass out index cards, 10 to each person.

Say:  I want you to take 5 minutes now and on each index card write something that is most important to you.  Only write one thing on each card.  I know that some of you may be frugal and want to write all 10 on one card.  Don't.  One thing, one card.  Got it?  You have 5 minutes.

Do:  Give them 5 minutes to write their 10 things.  Count down when there are 2 minutes and 1 minute left.

Ask:  Was that easy for you?  Or hard?

Do:  Listen to responses.

Say:  Now take 5 of those cards and throw them into the center of the circle.  You will be left with only 5 cards.  Those 5 are the most important 5 things in your life.  The decisions may be tough.  You have 3 minutes.  Go.

Do: Let them throw 5 cards away.

Say:  Now you have 5 things.  Take 3 of those cards and throw them away.  You will be left with the 2 most important things in your life.  You have 2 minutes.  Go.

Do: Let them throw 3 cards away.

Say:  You now have 2 cards left.  The 2 most important things in your life.  And, now, you guessed it.  You have to throw one of those 2 cards away.  Choose carefully.  You have 2 minutes to decide.

Do: Let them throw 1 card away.

Ask:  How was that for you?

Do: Listen to responses and affirm them.

Say:  You are left with the one thing that is most important in your life.  Orient everything you do, all your life's energy around this one thing.

Ask:  Do you want to share your one thing?

Do:  Capture the one thing from those who wish to share on the flipchart.  Affirm responses.

Say:  Were you surprised at the result?  Were you surprised how many or few people had getting a job as their most important thing?  Heck, we are a job networking group after all.  Keep what you wrote on that card with you.  Look at it often.  It will have an important role in your future.  I know, because I have led this exercise many times before, and people always come back and tell me that it has had an important meaning for them.