Fortunate Me (variation of Fortunately/Unfortunately)
One person shares a goal, other players offer obstacles. Main player delightfully overcomes those obstacles.
by Erica MarxGoal
confront fears, find courage
accept unpredictability
be bold with offers
clarify what's important
Instructions
Players sit in semi-circle. One person chooses a goal that they want to achieve in 1 year from today. The game is played as if it is exactly one year in the future. The person plays themselves, telling the story of how a year ago they set this intention to achieve this goal and all that happened between then (real life today) and now (real life a year from now).
They start telling the story "A year ago today I decided...(the goal they decided to achieve)" and the first person in the circle says UNFORTUNATELY... (what happened). Then the main player says "YES!... and finds a way forward with their story. They go around the circle refuting every UNFORTUNATELY that comes their way. The spirt of the "YES!" is enthusiastic and joyful, as if they are just remembering that's how the next thing happened in the story.
Demo this game before playing. A key is to demo relatively quick turn taking so the person doesn't get too bogged down on any one obstacle or challenge to overcome. Demo tossing ridiculous obstacles and solutions along the way. "Unfortunately your car caught on fire and burned to a crisp. YES, and that's when I started riding public transportation everywhere AND I met the publicist who got my book published"
Toward the end of the circle the facilitator can ask the volunteer if they want to have someone add any additional unfortunately for them to refute (real things they are scared might happen).
Pre-work
This activity works well after players have done an exercise where they identify a core value or quality about themselves. Then they use that quality in the game and can say "YES! Fortunately I am a courageous/creative/open/caring person and so I ..."
Playing Fortunately/Unfortunately can be a good warm up to the dynamics of the activity. See instructions here
Background
Developed by Erica Marx
Erica Marx Coaching
Design, Facilitation, and Production of Highly Interactive Online Events
Bringing the magic of in-person events to the virtual space and building real relationships. Everything from design to technical production, we'll make it fun and take away the stress! More info here.
Check out upcoming workshops -
https://www.ericamarxcoaching.com/upcoming-events
https://www.ericamarx.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericamarxcoaching/
Erica Marx
erica@ericamarx.com
+ 1 (607) 269 - 7401
Author
I help teams connect, collaborate, and perform at their best in both virtual and in-person environments. As an executive and leadership coach, I design highly engaging experiences where people can think together, navigate challenges, and strengthen the way they work. With a background in leadership coaching, facilitation, and applied improvisation, I create interactive retreats, conferences, and networking events that energize participants and create lasting impact. My work creates the conditions for psychological safety, honest communication, and deep collaboration, allowing teams to build trust, navigate challenges, and achieve meaningful results together. I am deeply committed to mission-driven organizations. As a board member of the International Applied Improvisation Network, I partner with nonprofit and social justice leaders to help their teams thrive in fast-changing environments.
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