What you could learn from a retreat.
In 2016 we held our second workshop for the year. This workshop left a profound impact on me and those that attended. Iโd like to share my experience at this workshop and what you could gain from a retreat.
We had Silva method expert Jeanine Scaccia facilitating a few events. Jeanine presented for the first three sessions on Purpose, Vision, and Goals. Jeanine runs an Empowerment Progam and has vast experience in coaching and mentoring for leadership and personal growth.
We also had Tony Bulmer, from The Bulmer Group. Tony presented the topic of Confidence and delivered a cracking session that encouraged us to delve into embracing what makes us unique. Tony runs 2-day Presentation Workshops and 1-day Seminars.
HOW THE WEEKEND UNFOLDED
Most of us arrived on Friday afternoon. Some of us made the most of the great weather by taking a swim in the pool. Just after 7 pm, we came together as a group for the first time to enjoy a three-course catered dinner. It was great not having to leave the house. This made for a very relaxed and casual evening. Shoes off. Hair down. Letting go. We had a round of introductions and also discussed our expectation/outcomes for the weekend ahead. The group energy felt great from very early on.
Saturday morning started early. 6.30am we met for the 30-minute walk or run club. One very brave person joined the run club having not previously done much running. This was then followed by a 30-minute meditation. The group then split into two. Showers for the first half. The second half of the group were on breakfast preparation. We were very lucky to have a ‘walk the talk foodie’ on the breakfast team.. the eggs and coffee were outstanding!
The first session lead by Jeanine was about Discovery. With the aim of helping you to increase your self-awareness. Session two and three covered very big topics, being Purpose, Vision, and Goals. Taking a big picture approach to what you want your life to look like and why.
We created our vision board for the next 12 months. A great exercise to do individually and then come together to discuss if you are comfortable. A great opportunity to share learning’s and ideas. The last session for the day was on Creating Structure. This is important now that we have our purpose, vision, and goals. This was all about systems we can put into place. Before we knew it, it was 4.30pm. Three hours of free time before dinner. You had the choice of swimming, table tennis, relaxing in your own space, Watching TV, going for a walk, or engaging in conversation.
NO REST FOR THE DETERMINED
We were up early again at 6.00am and back into the exercise session. This was followed by a review of our goals – so we had more clarity on them leading into the visualisation meditation 1-hour session. This was so good. After breakfast was Tony Bulmer’s session on Confidence. Tony emphasised the importance of finding your passion when it comes to finding your confidence. We also covered understanding your proposition, Leveraging past success, positive feedback and embracing our quirks. With lots of interesting questions coming up.
Our last session activities covered identifying your support team. Who can help you stay accountable to your goals? This is quite a crucial step. The last thing we want to see is someone leaving the workshop and…. nothing! The workshop experience is a platform to carry you through the next 12 months. Weekly accountability and group check-ins are a big part of helping each person along the way.
After lunch, we debriefed the weekend. Going right back to the desired outcomes. And before we knew it, we had come to the end of the workshop…. but the start of so much more!
TAKING THE TIME
Do you think it makes sense that we spend so much time at work planning 12 months/3 years/5 years out … Constantly clarifying the business vision, objectives, strategy and execution… But don’t even set aside time for our own purpose, vision, goals, and plan for what’s really important in our own life?
In the words of Jim Rohn
โIf you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not muchโ.
This event was helpful in helping others do just that. There is so much that you can learn from a retreat.
