The Story Behind the Technique
In November 2019, during my final coaching school exam, I faced a practical challenge: facilitating a 30-minute coaching session for a person I had never met. Sitting across from my very first client, I quickly realized she didn’t appear to have a pressing issue for coaching that day. Inwardly, I thought: “Gabriela, how are you going to break the ice here?”
Without prior testing, intuition nudged me to use colors. I asked her simple, playful questions like:
- “What was the color of the sky on your way here?”
- “What color would you choose to describe how you feel right now?”
From this colorful game, we uncovered a significant issue in her relationship with her father. Since then, I’ve often used the power of colors in my coaching sessions, as they seem to unlock emotions and insights in a remarkable way.
Colors, beyond their aesthetic value, possess a profound ability to influence emotions, cognition, and behavior. They offer a versatile and dynamic approach for fostering personal growth and transformation, especially in group settings like a New Year's Eve celebration.
Why Colors Work
This activity taps into the subconscious mind, allowing emotions and thoughts to surface in a non-linear, creative way. It’s an approach that blends reflection with lighthearted fun, making it perfect for a New Year’s Eve gathering (and not only).
By incorporating the power of colors into your celebration, you not only create meaningful moments of connection but also inspire everyone to step into the new year with clarity, intention, and a vibrant vision for the future.
Let's play!
1. Materials Needed
- A bowl or basket filled with colorful cards or small objects (each representing a different color). You can explore your own unique color scheme for this activity. The one provided below is just a suggestion to inspire you.
- A list of reflective questions connected to each color (examples below).
2. Game Instructions
a) Invite Participants to Choose a Color
- Pass around the basket and ask each participant to pick a color that resonates with them as they think about the past year. Encourage them to choose intuitively—sometimes the color we are drawn to speaks louder than words.
b) Reflect and Share
Once everyone has chosen a color, guide them through the following reflective questions:
Red
- Reflect on 2024:
- What moment this year made you feel the most passionate or alive?
- When did you feel bold or take a courageous step forward?
- Set intentions for 2025:
- How can you bring more energy and determination into the new year?
- What is one bold action you are ready to take in 2025?
Blue
- Reflect on 2024:
- What brought you peace or comfort this year?
- When did you feel calm and deeply connected to yourself or others?
- Set intentions for 2025:
- How can you cultivate more serenity and balance in your life?
- What area of your life needs a calmer perspective?
Yellow
- Reflect on 2024:
- What was your happiest or most joyful moment this year?
- When did you feel most optimistic or hopeful?
- Set intentions for 2025:
- How can you bring more playfulness and creativity into your life?
Green
- Reflect on 2024:
- What moments of growth stood out for you this year?
- When did you feel most connected to nature or others?
- Set intentions for 2025:
- How can you nurture your personal or professional growth next year?
- What relationships or projects need more care and attention?
Orange
- Reflect on 2024:
- What challenges this year helped you grow the most?
- Set intentions for 2025:
- How can you embrace uncertainty with confidence?
Purple
- Reflect on 2024:
- What moments this year made you feel deeply inspired or reflective?
- When did you feel connected to your inner wisdom?
- Set intentions for 2025:
- How can you bring more creativity or mindfulness into your life?
- What vision or dream will you pursue in 2025
White
- Reflect on 2024:
- What brought you clarity or a sense of renewal this year?
- Set intentions for 2025:
- How can you create more space for simplicity and self-care?
- What areas of your life need a fresh start?
c) Closing the Circle
End the activity by inviting everyone to write down their chosen color and a single word or phrase that represents their intention for the year ahead. Encourage them to keep this as a reminder throughout the year.
My colorful wish for you in 2025
As you step into 2025, I invite you to carry the energy of the colors you’ve chosen. May this playful yet profound exercise remind you of your capacity for growth, transformation, and connection.
My wish for you is that 2025 becomes a year where your courage ignites bold action, your authenticity shines brightly, and your unique essence guides you toward the change you seek.
As a coach and change strategist, I believe in the power of intentional choices, self-discovery, and meaningful steps to create the life you envision.
Thank you for joining me on this journey — I’m cheering for you every step of the way.
