A year's worth of growth all at once
We started the program nearly ten months ago and it's already over. It's been inspiring to see the change and growth in the students week over week, and it's the starkest when compared to the first day. In the first couple of sessions, I had students write a letter to their future selves, set to arrive this weekend. For all those who did it, I'm excited for them to experience the contrast firsthand. Today’s final note will be short and sweet.
In the final session, we look inwards.
Students spent time doing deep introspection, identifying and talking about their specific fears and insecurities. What are the things they are most afraid of? And what would happen if those things came true?
Students spoke of failure, judgment, inadequacy, and loss. Things we all fear. From there we dig deeper into what happens if they occur to better understand our fears. Not everything is as scary as it seems.
Most importantly, we talk about the cost of inaction. What will they miss out on if they let these fears rule their life?
After this, students consider their worst-case scenario in life. What happens if it all goes wrong, where might then end up? And more importantly, what can they do today to mitigate it?
Though it might not be immediately obvious, the combination of these two introduce students to the idea that they don't just have to accept the future as it is. They can change it.
"This exercise made me realize that I have more control over my future and I can actually change things".
—Student in session
Students realize they have agency over their lives which to me is the most important lesson.
We end with a discussion on success and creating an unfair advantage in the future. How you can maximize your odds of success in whatever it is you're trying to achieve?
My favourite moment is when students realize that the things that compound into unfair advantages: your network, your knowledge, your skills, your mindsets, are exactly what TKS has been all about. If they just continue on the path we've put them on (and put in the work), they will inevitably compound into opportunities in whatever the students desire.
Taking the time to do this exercise was insightful and potentially life-changing for those who took the time to do it. They can take improved self-awareness with them into the future, paired with the capacity to act, and shape a life they are excited about. I found it personally helpful to put my own thoughts down on paper again and reflect more on these things.
For now, I’m taking a summer break from Raising Unicorns. Expect less writing, and we’ll see what the next season holds. Thank you all for reading and the support so far, if you have any feedback or ideas, please send them over! I’m always curious to hear from you.
✌🏼
the end of an era 💔