Initiative and Intentness

By Adam Taylor
Part of Pyramid project
Craft a lesson plan that delves into the essential qualities of initiative and intentness in the journey towards success. The aim is to highlight the significance of these traits in the pursuit of goals and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps and maintaining unwavering determination. Through engaging activities, participants will be encouraged to embody these qualities, fostering a supportive environment for open dialogue and the sharing of personal experiences. This lesson draws inspiration from John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, focusing on how initiative and intentness are fundamental principles within this framework. Participants will actively engage in activities designed to promote these qualities, ultimately instilling a sense of purpose and perseverance in their pursuit of success.

Notes

  • Focus on cultivating a growth mindset and encouraging proactive goal-setting
  • Emphasize the importance of perseverance and unwavering determination in the pursuit of success
  • Create a supportive environment for open dialogue and sharing of personal experiences
  • Incorporate activities that promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ensure safety measures are in place for any physical or outdoor activities
  • Prepare materials and resources ahead of time to facilitate smooth lesson delivery

Equipment required:

  • Whiteboard and markers for visual aids
  • Printouts of John Wooden's Pyramid of Success for reference
  • Notebooks or journals for participants to write down reflections and goals
  • Timer or stopwatch for time management during activities
  • Any specific materials needed for planned team-building or problem-solving exercises
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Introduction to Initiative and Intentness

Introduction to Initiative and Intentness

In this section, we will introduce the key concepts of initiative and intentness, highlighting their significance in the journey towards success. These qualities play a crucial role in achieving goals and realizing one's potential. We will also explore how these concepts align with John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, a framework that emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in achieving one's objectives.


Student Worksheet on Initiative and Intentness

Introduction to Initiative and Intentness

Initiative and intentness are key components of John Wooden's Pyramid of Success. Initiative refers to the ability to take action and make decisions independently, while intentness is the commitment to seeing a task through to completion. These qualities are essential for achieving long-term goals and success.

Examples:

  • Example 1: A student takes the initiative to start a study group for an upcoming exam.
  • Example 2: A basketball player shows intentness by practicing free throws every day after school.
  • Example 3: A team leader takes the initiative to delegate tasks effectively during a group project.
  • Example 4: An entrepreneur demonstrates intentness by working late nights to launch a new business venture.
  • Example 5: A musician takes the initiative to learn a new instrument without being told to do so.

Challenging Examples:

  • Example 6: A CEO shows intentness by leading a company through a major crisis with determination and focus.
  • Example 7: A social activist takes the initiative to organize a large-scale protest for an important cause.

Real-World Problems:

  1. Problem 1: How would you demonstrate initiative in a group project at school?
  2. Problem 2: Describe a situation where intentness would be crucial for achieving a personal goal.

Answers:

  1. Answers may vary but could include taking on a leadership role, setting deadlines, or coming up with innovative ideas.
  2. Answers may vary but could include practicing consistently, overcoming obstacles, or seeking feedback to improve.

  1. Problem: You are starting a new project at work, and your team seems hesitant to take initiative. How can you encourage them to step up and show initiative?
    Answer: You can hold a team meeting to discuss the importance of initiative, set clear goals and expectations, and provide opportunities for team members to take on leadership roles.
  2. Problem: You are a student with a part-time job and find it challenging to balance your work responsibilities with your academic commitments. How can you demonstrate intentness in managing your time effectively?
    Answer: You can create a detailed schedule that allocates specific time for work, study, and personal activities, prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, and regularly review and adjust your schedule as needed.
  3. Problem: You have a goal of running a marathon, but you struggle to stay motivated during your training. How can you maintain intentness in pursuing your goal?
    Answer: You can join a running group for accountability and support, set smaller milestones to track progress, visualize yourself crossing the finish line, and remind yourself of the reasons why you set this goal in the first place.
  4. Problem: Your team is facing a challenging project that requires innovative solutions. How can you encourage them to think creatively and take initiative in problem-solving?
    Answer: You can organize brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas, encourage open communication and collaboration among team members, provide resources and support for experimentation, and recognize and reward innovative thinking.
  5. Problem: You are managing a retail store and notice that sales have been declining. How can you demonstrate intentness in analyzing the problem and implementing solutions?
    Answer: You can conduct much better analyze your sales data to identify trends and patterns, conduct customer surveys and feedback to understand their needs and preferences, experiment with different marketing strategies, and monitor the results to evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions.
  6. Problem: You are a coach of a youth sports team and want to instill the value of initiative and intentness in your players. How can you design practice sessions to promote these qualities?
    Answer: You can create drills that require players to make quick decisions and take responsibility for their actions, provide constructive feedback to encourage self-improvement, set challenging but achievable goals to motivate players, and lead by example by demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
  7. Problem: You are a volunteer at a local charity organization and have limited resources to carry out your projects. How can you demonstrate initiative in finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles?
    Answer: You can seek partnerships with other organizations to pool resources and expertise, organize fundraising events to generate additional funds, recruit and train volunteers to expand your team's capacity, and leverage social media and other communication channels to raise awareness about your cause and attract support.
  8. Problem: You are a student leader in a school club and want to increase member engagement and participation in club activities. How can you demonstrate intentness in planning and executing events that appeal to a diverse audience?
    Answer: You can conduct surveys to gather feedback and ideas from club members, delegate tasks to distribute workload and encourage teamwork, promote events through various channels to reach a wider audience, and evaluate the success of each event to learn from mistakes and improve future activities.
  9. Problem: You are a small business owner facing tough competition in the market. How can you demonstrate initiative and intentness in adapting your business strategy to stay ahead of the competition?
    Answer: You can conduct a competitor analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses, conduct market research to understand customer needs and preferences, innovate your products or services to differentiate from competitors, and continuously monitor market trends and adjust your strategy accordingly to maintain a competitive edge.

  1. Start by defining initiative and intentness for the students. Explain that initiative means taking action and showing determination, while intentness is the quality of being focused and persistent in achieving a goal.
  2. Provide examples of initiative and intentness in real-life situations to help students understand the concepts better. This could include stories of successful individuals who demonstrated these qualities in their pursuits.
  3. Engage students in a discussion about the benefits of developing initiative and intentness. Encourage them to share their own experiences where these qualities have helped them succeed or overcome challenges.
  4. Introduce John Wooden's Pyramid of Success to the students and explain how initiative and intentness are essential building blocks in achieving success according to his philosophy.
  5. Assign a task or activity that requires students to demonstrate initiative and intentness. This could be a group project, a problem-solving exercise, or a goal-setting activity that challenges them to apply these qualities in practice.
  6. Provide feedback and reinforcement throughout the task to help students reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement in terms of initiative and intentness.
  7. Conclude the lesson by summarizing the key points about initiative and intentness, and encourage students to continue developing these qualities in their academic and personal pursuits.

  • Game 1: Pyramid Building Challenge

    Step by Step Instructions:

    1. Divide the students into teams of 4-5 members each.
    2. Provide each team with a set of building blocks or cups.
    3. Explain that the goal is to build the tallest pyramid within a given time limit.
    4. Teams must work together to strategize and build their pyramid using the blocks or cups.
    5. Encourage communication, teamwork, and quick decision-making to complete the challenge successfully.
    6. After the time is up, measure and compare the height of each team's pyramid to determine the winner.
  • Game 2: Success Traits Scavenger Hunt

    Step by Step Instructions:

    1. Create a list of success traits related to initiative and intentness from John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.
    2. Hide cards with each trait written on them around the classroom or outdoor area.
    3. Divide the students into small groups and provide them with the list of traits.
    4. Explain that they need to find and match each trait card they discover with the corresponding trait on their list.
    5. Encourage students to discuss how each trait relates to initiative and intentness as they search for the cards.
    6. The first group to correctly match all the traits wins the scavenger hunt.
  • Game 3: Decision-Making Relay Race

    Step by Step Instructions:

    1. Set up a relay race course with cones or markers at various points.
    2. Divide the students into teams and assign each team a starting point at one end of the course.
    3. Provide each team with a series of decision-making scenarios related to initiative and intentness.
    4. Explain that one member from each team must run to the first marker, make a decision based on the scenario, and then run back to tag the next team member.
    5. Continue this relay race format until all team members have participated in making decisions.
    6. The team that completes the race with the most successful decisions wins the game.
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Interactive Discussion on Initiative

Facilitate a group discussion on what initiative means to participants and how they can incorporate it into their daily lives and goals. Encourage active participation and sharing of personal perspectives to deepen understanding of the concept.


Student Worksheet: Interactive Discussion on Initiative

Initiative and Intentness

Welcome to the student worksheet for the interactive discussion on initiative. In this activity, you will explore the concept of taking initiative and how it relates to John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.

Examples:

  • Volunteering to lead a group project in class.
  • Starting a new club or organization at your school.
  • Helping a peer who is struggling with their schoolwork without being asked.
  • Researching and proposing a new idea to improve a process in your community.
  • Identifying a problem in your neighborhood and taking steps to address it.

Real-World Problems:

  • Imagine you are part of a team working on a community service project. How would you take the initiative to ensure the project is successful?
  • You notice a sustainability issue in your school where a lot of paper is being wasted. How could you take the initiative to address this issue?

Answers:

Answers will vary for each example and real-world problem. Encourage students to think creatively and critically about how they can demonstrate initiative in different situations.


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  1. A company is launching a new product and needs a team to come up with a marketing plan. Identify the steps you would take to demonstrate initiative in leading this project.
    Answer: Research target market, develop creative promotional strategies, allocate budget effectively.
  2. You are tasked with organizing a charity event to raise funds for a local cause. How would you show intentness in ensuring the success of the event?
    Answer: Set clear goals, create a detailed plan, monitor progress regularly.
  3. Imagine you are part of a team working on a project that is falling behind schedule. How would you demonstrate initiative to get the project back on track?
    Answer: Identify bottlenecks, propose solutions, offer to take on additional tasks to catch up.
  4. You are leading a group project where team members are lacking motivation. How can you show intentness in inspiring and motivating them to perform better?
    Answer: Provide positive feedback, set achievable targets, lead by example.
  5. You are a student with a goal of improving your grades. What steps could you take to demonstrate initiative and intentness in achieving this goal?
    Answer: Create a study schedule, seek help from teachers or tutors, track progress and make adjustments as needed.
  6. You are starting a small business and need to attract customers. How would you demonstrate initiative and intentness in developing a marketing strategy?
    Answer: Conduct market research, create a unique selling proposition, implement a targeted advertising campaign.
  7. You are part of a sports team that is struggling to win games. How can you show initiative and intentness in helping the team improve their performance?
    Answer: Analyze game footage for areas of improvement, organize extra practice sessions, encourage team members to stay focused and motivated.
  8. You are a volunteer at a local shelter and want to increase donations. What actions can you take to demonstrate initiative and intentness in this endeavor?
    Answer: Organize fundraising events, create awareness through social media campaigns, build relationships with potential donors.
  9. You are a team leader on a community project with limited resources. How would you demonstrate initiative and intentness in maximizing the impact of the project?
    Answer: Allocate resources efficiently, seek partnerships with other organizations, involve community members in decision-making.
  10. You are a student preparing for a major exam. How can you demonstrate initiative and intentness in your study approach to ensure success?
    Answer: Develop a study plan with specific goals, use different study techniques to enhance learning, seek feedback from teachers or peers.

  1. Begin the interactive discussion by asking the students to define what initiative means to them.
  2. Encourage students to share examples of times when they have shown initiative in their own lives.
  3. Present scenarios or case studies related to John Wooden's Pyramid of Success that require students to think critically about how initiative can be applied.
  4. Facilitate a group discussion where students can brainstorm ways to demonstrate initiative in various aspects of their lives such as academics, sports, or personal goals.
  5. Provide feedback and guidance to students as they discuss and analyze the importance of initiative in achieving success.
  6. Encourage students to reflect on how they can incorporate the concept of initiative into their daily routines and set specific goals to improve their own levels of initiative.
  7. Summarize the key points of the discussion and encourage students to continue thinking about how they can cultivate initiative in their lives beyond the classroom.

  • Game 1: "Initiative Relay"
    Instructions:
    • Divide the students into teams.
    • Set up a relay race course with various obstacles or challenges.
    • Each team member must complete a task that requires taking initiative before passing the baton to the next team member.
    • The team that finishes the relay race first, showing the most initiative, wins the game.
  • Game 2: "Intentness Charades"
    Instructions:
    • Write down phrases related to intentness on separate pieces of paper and put them in a bowl.
    • One student picks a phrase from the bowl and acts it out without speaking, while the others guess what phrase it is.
    • The student who guesses correctly gets a point, and the one with the most points at the end wins the game.
  • Game 3: "Initiative Scavenger Hunt"
    Instructions:
    • Create a list of items or tasks that require initiative to complete.
    • Give each student or team a copy of the list and set a time limit.
    • Students must find and complete as many items on the list as they can within the time frame.
    • The student or team with the most items completed, demonstrating initiative, wins the scavenger hunt.
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Activity: Goal Setting and Action Planning

Activity: Goal Setting and Action Planning

During this activity, participants will engage in a goal-setting exercise to help them identify specific objectives and create action plans to proactively work towards them.


Student Worksheet

Introduction:

Welcome to the Activity on Goal Setting and Action Planning! In this worksheet, you will practice setting goals and creating action plans to achieve them. Remember, initiative and intentness are key components of success, according to John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.

Examples:

  • Example 1: Your goal is to improve your grades in math. Write down three specific actions you can take to achieve this goal.
  • Example 2: You want to become a better basketball player. List two short-term goals and one long-term goal related to this objective.
  • Example 3: Imagine you want to learn a new language. Outline a weekly action plan detailing how you will dedicate time to studying and practicing.

Challenging Examples:

  • Challenge 1: You aspire to start your own business. Write down five steps you need to take to turn this dream into a reality.
  • Challenge 2: You have a goal of running a marathon. Develop a month-by-month training schedule leading up to the race day.

Real-World Problems:

  • Problem 1: You want to save up for a trip to Europe. Create a savings plan that outlines how much money you will set aside each month.
  • Problem 2: Your goal is to become more environmentally friendly. Design an action plan with specific steps to reduce your carbon footprint in your daily life.

Answers:

Answers will vary based on individual goals and action plans.


Activity: Goal Setting and Action Planning

  1. Problem: Jane wants to improve her time management skills. Identify one long-term goal and three short-term goals she could set to achieve this.
    • Long-term goal: Increase productivity by 20% within 6 months.
    • Short-term goals:
      • Complete a time management course within the next month.
      • Implement a daily to-do list for the next two weeks.
      • Delegate tasks to team members for better time management within the next month.
  2. Problem: Mark wants to improve his communication skills. Create a SMART goal related to this and outline the steps he could take to achieve it.
    • SMART goal: Increase active listening skills by attending a workshop and practicing with a communication partner twice a week for three months.
  3. Problem: Sarah wants to start her own business. Identify three action steps she should take to get started.
    • Research and identify a niche market for her business idea.
    • Create a detailed business plan outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections.
    • Register the business with the appropriate authorities and set up a basic website.
  4. Problem: Tom wants to run a marathon in six months. Develop a training schedule for him, including daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
    • Daily: Run for 30 minutes.
    • Weekly: Increase distance by 1 mile each week.
    • Monthly: Participate in at least one organized race to track progress.
  5. Problem: Emily wants to save money for a vacation. Set a financial goal for her and suggest three ways she can cut expenses to reach it.
    • Financial goal: Save $1000 in six months.
    • Ways to cut expenses:
      • Limit dining out to once a week.
      • Cancel unused subscriptions or memberships.
      • Shop for groceries with a list and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.

  1. Reflect on your long-term goals and aspirations. Write down what you want to achieve in the next one year, three years, and five years.
  2. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable short-term goals. These could be monthly or quarterly milestones that will help you progress towards your long-term goals.
  3. Create a detailed action plan for each short-term goal. Outline the specific steps you need to take to reach each milestone.
  4. Assign deadlines to each step in your action plan. Having a timeline will help you stay on track and measure your progress.
  5. Identify potential obstacles or challenges that may arise along the way. Develop strategies to overcome these obstacles and stay motivated.
  6. Regularly review and revise your goals and action plans as needed. Stay flexible and adjust your strategies based on your progress and changing circumstances.
  7. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress will boost your motivation and inspire you to keep moving forward.

  • Game 1: Pyramid Puzzle
    1. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a set of puzzle pieces.
    2. Explain that the goal is for each group to work together to assemble a pyramid using the puzzle pieces. The pyramid represents the success pyramid concept of John Wooden.
    3. Set a time limit for the activity and encourage students to strategize and communicate effectively to complete the puzzle.
    4. Once a group successfully assembles the pyramid, discuss with the class the importance of teamwork, goal setting, and persistence in achieving success.
  • Game 2: Success Charades
    1. Write down different elements of success from John Wooden's Pyramid of Success on separate pieces of paper (e.g., hard work, friendship, loyalty).
    2. Divide the class into two teams and have one student from each team come up to the front to pick a piece of paper and act out the word without speaking while their team guesses.
    3. Encourage students to think about how each element contributes to achieving goals and success.
    4. Rotate players until all the words have been guessed, discussing the importance of each element as they go along.
  • Game 3: Goal Setting Relay
    1. Set up a relay race course with different stations representing steps in goal setting and action planning (e.g., setting a goal, creating a plan, taking action).
    2. Divide the class into teams and have each team line up at the starting line.
    3. One student from each team will race to the first station, complete the task (e.g., write down a personal goal), and then tag the next team member to proceed to the next station.
    4. The relay continues until all team members have completed all the stations and the final team member crosses the finish line.
    5. Discuss with the class the importance of setting specific, achievable goals and taking consistent action to reach them.
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Role-Playing: Overcoming Challenges with Intentness

During this activity, participants will engage in a role-playing exercise that focuses on overcoming challenges with intentness. They will practice staying focused on their goals and maintaining unwavering determination in the face of obstacles or distractions.

Participants will be divided into pairs or small groups, and each group will be given a scenario that presents a challenge related to their goals. They will then take turns playing the role of the individual facing the challenge and the supportive partner offering encouragement and solutions.

This activity encourages participants to embody the qualities of intentness and resilience as they navigate through various scenarios. It provides a practical and interactive way for them to apply the concepts learned during the lesson and develop strategies for overcoming obstacles in their pursuit of success.


Introduction: In today's lesson, we will focus on the concept of intentness as part of John Wooden's Pyramid of Success. Intentness is the quality of being determined and unwavering in achieving your goals. It involves staying focused, persevering through challenges, and maintaining a positive attitude even when faced with obstacles.

Worksheet:

  • Example 1: Imagine you have a goal to improve your grades in math. What are some ways you can show intentness in achieving this goal?
  • Example 2: You have a project deadline approaching, but you encounter unexpected setbacks. How can you demonstrate intentness in overcoming these challenges?
  • Example 3: You are a member of a team working on a group project. One team member is not contributing their fair share. How can you exhibit intentness in addressing this issue and ensuring the success of the project?
  • Example 4: You have been training for a marathon for several months. On the day of the race, you start experiencing cramps and fatigue. How can you apply intentness to push through and finish the race?
  • Example 5: In a real-world scenario, you are faced with a difficult decision at work that requires you to take a risk. How can you use intentness to make a well-thought-out decision and see it through to completion?
  • Example 6: A personal challenge arises that tests your determination and resolve. How can you demonstrate intentness in overcoming this obstacle and achieving your desired outcome?

Answers:

Answers will vary for each example, but key points to consider include setting clear goals, staying motivated, seeking support when needed, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the process.


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  1. Problem: You are a team captain and one of your teammates is consistently late to practice. How do you address this issue with intentness?
    Answer: Schedule a meeting with the teammate to discuss the importance of punctuality and the impact it has on the team's success.
  2. Problem: Your group project partner is not contributing equally to the assignment. How can you demonstrate intentness in resolving this issue?
    Answer: Have a discussion with your partner to clearly outline expectations and responsibilities, and create a plan to ensure equal contribution.
  3. Problem: You are struggling to meet a deadline for an important project. How can you use intentness to overcome this challenge?
    Answer: Break down the project into smaller tasks, create a timeline with specific deadlines for each task, and commit to completing them diligently.
  4. Problem: You are facing a difficult decision that requires careful consideration. How can you apply intentness in making the best choice?
    Answer: Gather all relevant information, weigh the pros and cons of each option, seek advice from trusted individuals, and make a well-thought-out decision.
  5. Problem: You have set a goal to improve your fitness level, but struggle to stay motivated. How can intentness help you stay on track?
    Answer: Create a detailed workout plan, track your progress regularly, find a workout buddy for accountability, and remind yourself of the benefits of achieving your fitness goal.
  6. Problem: You are experiencing writer's block while working on a creative project. How can intentness assist you in overcoming this obstacle?
    Answer: Take a break to clear your mind, set specific time blocks for writing, brainstorm ideas, and commit to writing consistently even when inspiration is lacking.
  7. Problem: Your team is facing internal conflicts that are affecting collaboration. How can you demonstrate intentness in resolving these conflicts?
    Answer: Facilitate a team meeting to openly discuss the issues, encourage active listening and empathy, work together to find solutions, and commit to improving team dynamics.
  8. Problem: You are struggling with public speaking anxiety before a presentation. How can intentness help you overcome this fear?
    Answer: Practice your presentation multiple times, visualize a successful outcome, focus on the message you want to convey, and approach the challenge with determination and confidence.
  9. Problem: You are tasked with learning a new skill that seems challenging. How can you apply intentness to master this skill?
    Answer: Break down the skill into manageable steps, seek guidance from experts or mentors, practice consistently, track your progress, and maintain a positive mindset towards learning and improvement.
  10. Problem: You are faced with a complex problem at work that requires innovative solutions. How can intentness help you navigate through this challenge?
    Answer: Research different approaches, brainstorm ideas with colleagues, experiment with potential solutions, persist in finding a viable resolution, and adapt your strategies based on feedback and results.

  1. Set the scene: Provide a brief overview of the scenario or challenge students will be role-playing.
  2. Assign roles: Divide the students into pairs or small groups and assign each group a specific role to play in the scenario.
  3. Explain the rules: Clearly outline the objectives of the role-play, including the challenge they need to overcome and the behaviors that demonstrate intentness.
  4. Give time to prepare: Allow students a few minutes to discuss and strategize how they will approach the role-play based on their assigned roles.
  5. Start the role-play: Let each group perform their role-play in front of the class, encouraging them to demonstrate intentness in overcoming the challenge.
  6. Facilitate reflection: After each role-play, facilitate a discussion where students can reflect on the behaviors they observed related to intentness and provide feedback to their peers.
  7. Repeat and rotate roles: Encourage multiple rounds of role-playing with different scenarios to give students the opportunity to practice and develop their intentness skills.
  8. Conclude with a debrief: Wrap up the activity by discussing key takeaways, reinforcing the importance of intentness in facing challenges, and how it relates to John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.

  • Game 1: Obstacle Course Challenge
    1. Set up an obstacle course in the classroom or outdoors with items like cones, ropes, and chairs.
    2. Divide students into teams and explain that they have to navigate the course as quickly as possible without touching any obstacles.
    3. Emphasize the importance of focus and intentness in overcoming challenges.
    4. Time each team as they complete the course and declare the fastest team as the winner.
  • Game 2: Role-Playing Scenarios
    1. Create various scenarios where students have to overcome challenges using intentness and initiative.
    2. Assign roles to students and ask them to act out the scenarios in front of the class.
    3. Encourage students to come up with creative solutions to the challenges presented.
    4. Discuss the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success.
  • Game 3: Decision-Making Challenge
    1. Present students with a series of challenging scenarios where they have to make quick decisions.
    2. Explain that each decision they make should demonstrate intentness and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
    3. Discuss the outcomes of each decision and how they align with the principles of John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.
    4. Reflect on the importance of being decisive and assertive in overcoming obstacles.
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Reflection and Sharing

During this part of the lesson, participants are given the opportunity to reflect on their experiences during the activities conducted earlier. This reflection time allows them to internalize the concepts of initiative and intentness, and how these qualities relate to their personal goals and aspirations.

Participants are encouraged to share their insights and key takeaways with the group in a supportive and collaborative environment. This sharing of experiences can help reinforce learning, inspire others, and create a sense of community among the participants.


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Initiative and Intentness

Welcome to this student worksheet on Reflection and Sharing in John Wooden's Pyramid of Success. In this section, we will explore the importance of reflecting on your actions and sharing your experiences with others.

Examples:

  • Reflect on a recent decision you made. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it?
  • Share a success story with a classmate. How did sharing this experience make you feel?
  • Think about a time when you took the initiative to help someone else. How did this impact both you and the person you helped?
  • Reflect on a goal you have set for yourself. What steps have you taken to work towards achieving it?
  • Share a challenging experience you faced and how you overcame it. What did you learn from this situation?

Real World Problems:

  • You are part of a group project where one team member is not pulling their weight. How would you address this issue while maintaining a positive team dynamic?
  • You have been given a leadership role in a school club. How can you use reflection and sharing to inspire and motivate your team members?

Answers:

Answers will vary based on personal experiences and perspectives.


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Initiative and Intentness: Reflection and Sharing

  1. Problem: You have a group project due in two weeks, but your teammates seem uninterested. What steps can you take to motivate them and ensure the project is successful?
  2. Answer: Take the initiative to schedule a meeting with your teammates to discuss the project's importance and break down tasks to each member.

  3. Problem: Your team is facing a difficult challenge at work that requires innovative solutions. How can you encourage your team members to think creatively and take initiative?
  4. Answer: Organize a brainstorming session where team members can freely share ideas and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.

  5. Problem: You have a personal goal of running a marathon within the next six months. How can you stay intent on your training despite facing obstacles and setbacks?
  6. Answer: Create a detailed training plan, set small achievable milestones, and track your progress to stay motivated and focused on your goal.

  7. Problem: You are leading a community service project and facing resistance from some volunteers. How can you demonstrate intentness in your leadership and inspire commitment from the team?
  8. Answer: Lead by example, communicate the project's impact on the community, and recognize and appreciate the efforts of dedicated volunteers to inspire commitment.

  9. Problem: You are tasked with organizing a fundraising event for a charity. How can you demonstrate initiative in planning and executing the event to ensure its success?
  10. Answer: Research successful fundraising strategies, delegate tasks effectively, and actively seek support and participation from the community to make the event a success.

  11. Problem: You have a goal of improving your time management skills. How can you take initiative to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance your productivity?
  12. Answer: Conduct a time audit to identify time-wasting activities, prioritize tasks, and utilize tools such as time-tracking apps to manage your schedule efficiently.

  13. Problem: Your team is working on a project with a tight deadline. How can you demonstrate intentness in your work ethic and support your team members to meet the deadline?
  14. Answer: Stay focused on the project goals, communicate openly with team members to address challenges, and offer support and assistance to ensure everyone meets the deadline.

  15. Problem: You are starting a new business venture and facing uncertainty and risks. How can you show initiative in seeking opportunities and demonstrating intentness in pursuing your entrepreneurial goals?
  16. Answer: Conduct market research, network with industry experts, and adapt to changes in the market to seize opportunities and stay committed to achieving your business objectives.

  17. Problem: You are a student struggling with a challenging subject. How can you demonstrate intentness in seeking help, studying effectively, and improving your understanding of the material?
  18. Answer: Seek assistance from teachers or tutors, create a study schedule, engage in active learning strategies such as practice problems and discussions, and persist in mastering the subject matter.

  19. Problem: You are working on a team project and encounter conflicts among team members. How can you demonstrate initiative in resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive team dynamic?
  20. Answer: Facilitate open communication, listen to different perspectives, mediate conflicts constructively, and focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions to maintain team cohesion.


  1. Reflect on your recent actions and decisions related to your goals. Consider what worked well and what could have been improved.
  2. Identify at least one specific area where you can demonstrate initiative and intentness in the upcoming week.
  3. Create a plan detailing how you will take action in that specific area. Include specific steps and timelines.
  4. Share your plan with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. Discuss why you chose this particular area and how you plan to follow through.
  5. Reflect on the feedback or insights you received from sharing your plan. Consider any adjustments you may need to make to your action steps or timeline.
  6. Execute your plan with a focus on demonstrating initiative and intentness. Keep a journal to track your progress and any challenges you encounter.
  7. After completing the week, reflect on your experience. Consider what you learned about yourself and your ability to take initiative and demonstrate intentness.
  8. Share your reflections with the same person you discussed your plan with. Discuss any growth or changes you noticed in yourself throughout the process.

  • Game 1: Pyramid Puzzle
    1. Divide students into small groups.
    2. Provide each group with a set of pyramid-shaped puzzle pieces.
    3. Explain that the goal is for each group to work together to assemble the pyramid puzzle within a time limit.
    4. Encourage students to communicate effectively, show initiative in problem-solving, and demonstrate intentness in completing the task.
    5. After the time is up, have each group share their strategies and reflect on how they worked together to achieve the goal.
  • Game 2: Success Story Relay
    1. Create a list of short success stories related to initiative and intentness.
    2. Divide students into teams and have them form a line.
    3. Explain that the first student in line will read a success story and then pass it on to the next student.
    4. Each student must then share their reflection or takeaway from the story before passing it on to the next person.
    5. The last student in line shares the final reflection with the whole class.
  • Game 3: Positive Peer Recognition
    1. Provide each student with sticky notes and markers.
    2. Ask students to write a positive note recognizing a peer's initiative or intentness.
    3. Collect the notes and redistribute them randomly to students.
    4. Have students take turns reading the notes they received and guessing who wrote it.
    5. Encourage students to reflect on the impact of recognition and sharing positive feedback.
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