The metaphor of life as a game is something that’s very much a part of our culture (think of phrases like “nice guys finish last” “it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about how you play the game”).
At our Unconference (our annual event for learning leaders), this time
we thought it would be fun and insightful to use this metaphor to take stock of our lives. And in taking this unusual perspective, to deepen our awareness about ourselves and our patterns.
I experienced it as being a really powerful way to look inwards; many people in the Unconference shared that it gave them a very different perspective on their lives.
At Navgati, we’ve always believed that if you love something, you should give it away. So here’s a creative way to spend your weekend introspecting — it’s called the game of your life, full credit to my brilliant colleague Meghna Singhee for coming up with it.
If you’d like to try this, take a dekho at the video (first comment below) of Meghna taking one of my other brilliant colleagues Lalana Zaveri through the exercise. Then grab a pen and paper and write..
Remember, this is a creative process so don’t think too much about the responses. Let your intuitive answers guide you. And there are zillions of games possible so please don’t feel the pressure to make your game creative or witty.
Here goes:
Imagine if there was a game based on your life so far, what would that game look like?
- Describe the game briefly
- What is the name of the game?
- What kind of a game is it?
- What is the objective of the game? What are the rules?
- What do the players have to do?
- Are there levels? What does it take to get from one level to another?
- How do you know when the game has ended?
- What kind of players would be attracted to the game of your life?
- What kind of players would do well at this game?
- Are there magical powers that can be acquired?
Then go get yourself a cup of the beverage of your choice and answer these last questions..
Having created this, what are you learning about yourself? What do you like about this game? What would you like to change?
Feel free to try it with your teams; all we ask is that you tell us what your experience of it was.
Have a super weekend!
