Three Powerful Exercises for an Awesome Essay

Exercise 1: “If you really knew me…”

This one is simple: Set your timer for one minute. Begin with the phrase “If you really knew me…” and share with a partner 3-5 things you normally wouldn’t share with someone.

Be brave! Have fun!

And go as deep as you’re willing to go. (If you do this with a partner, reset the timer and give your partner one minute to share. If you’re doing it solo, write our your answers, pretending they’re for someone who already knows you a bit.) The point of this exercise is to allow yourself to be really known by someone else.

Exercise 2: “I love…”

Similar to the previous exercise, set a timer for one minute and list out loud things you love by finishing the phrase “I love…” repeatedly until time is up. If you’re with a partner, take turns. If you run out of things to say, just keep going! Follow a stream-of-consciousness style. There’s no wrong answer, so keep saying things you love and have some fun with this! (Alternately, you can either say or write your responses if you’re doing this exercise by yourself.)

Exercise 3: Get into gratitude

Reset your timer for one minute and out loud, share one thing you’re grateful for. Get as specific and personal as you can. Repeat until you timer rings. (If you’re working on your own, I challenge you to record a video of yourself to share with a friend or on social media with #gratitude.)