Sticky Note Game: The Game

Before we begin, let's establish a bit of context. Have a quick chat about what you accomplished last cycle, and what you're excited about for this next cycle. We want everybody's brains spinning in high gear before we start playing.

Keep in mind the most important rule: Player One always decides. Who's Player One? Why, you are, of course. It's your Sticky Note Game, after all. Don't like a rule? Ignore it! Want to take multiple actions in one turn? Go for it! If you don't feel like you're winning, feel free to mix things up until you do.

Let's Get Started!

1a. Set Goals

What do you want to achieve? Who do you want to become? For the first round of the game, we'll focus on answering those questions and setting some goals for this upcoming cycle. Starting with you, we'll take turns choosing one of the following actions:

This phase ends when all of us choose to Pass.

All Done!

1b. Get Energized

Woah, there! Those goals are pretty exciting, but it's time for a reality check.

Chasing goals takes Energy (). But some goals take more or less dedication than others, and it's up to us to decide which are which. Starting with you, we'll take turns choosing one of the following actions:

This round ends when the Energy pool is empty. At that point, throw away any Goal stickies with no filled Energy slots.

All Done!

2a. Find Paths

What do you need to learn to accomplish your goals? Where do you need to search for answers? For the second round of the game, we'll focus on answering those questions and identifying possible paths to the goals you've committed your energy to. Starting with you, we'll take turns choosing one of the following actions:

This phase ends when all of us choose to Pass.

All Done!

2b. Make Time

Those paths are all intriguing, but it's time for another reality check.

Following paths takes Time (). But some paths are more direct or more winding than others, and it's up to us to decide which are which. Starting with you, we'll take turns choosing one of the following actions:

This round ends when the Time pool is empty. At that point, throw away any Path stickies with no filled Time slots.

All Done!

3a. Take Steps

What preparations do you need to make? Who might you ask for information or support? For the final round of the game, we'll focus on answering those questions and figuring out what your first steps down each Path might look like. Starting with you, we'll take turns choosing one of the following actions:

This phase ends when all of us choose to Pass.

All Done!

3b. Think Carefully

What's that? Oh, don't worry, no reality checks this time.

To wrap things up, think carefully about what type of help or attention you might want as you head down each path laid out before you. Who do you want to bring with you? How far should they tag along?

For each "Take a Step" sticky we've added, you can either:

The game ends when you're happy with your stickies. Thanks to Kara Carrell for the Support concepts!

All Done!

Congratulations!

We have a plan assembled now, but your work is just beginning. Hopefully, this game has helped you set Goals that you have the Time () and Energy () to pursue this cycle! Be sure to capture the output somewhere that you can easily share and receive feedback on it!

A special thanks goes out to Kara Carrell and Vlad Andrijevikj, both of whom helped bring this project to life with their advice, support, feedback, and ideas.

Do you have any feedback on the process? Questions? Concerns? Feel free to ping @ahorner on Slack!

(In)Frequently-Asked Questions

Why is the card text so tiny?!

It's just there for inspiration! If you find yourself spinning your wheels, you can zoom in, read the card text to get some ideas, then zoom back out to focus on the bigger picture again.

How do I "Refine" a sticky?

If, during the course of a round, an existing sticky starts to feel like it overlaps too much with another idea or needs to be rewritten, you can use this option. Write a new sticky with your proposed refinement, chat it over with the other participants, and then Player One can decide whether to swap the new sticky in for the old one.

How can I make decisions about somebody else's time and energy?

If you're a participant in this game, Player One trusts you and your judgment. Pull from your feelings and experience, and don't worry too much about trying to predict their feelings and experiences. The conversation is more important than the action.

Got it!