The Smallest Room Strategy
Class 1.1 in How to (Get People to) Show Up
Note: This is the next in our “course” / series on How to (Get People to) Show Up. The introductory post is here. Other posts in this course can be found here.
The Lecture
Key Background: The Smallest Room Strategy
Whether you're planning a team meeting, a community event, or a larger gathering, consider the magic of a “full house.” Opt for the smallest venue that can comfortably accommodate your audience. A packed room cultivates a sense of urgency, intimacy, and collective focus. It's not just about numbers; it's about creating an environment where every individual feels connected to something greater. When the room hums with energy, so does the sense of shared purpose.
The Room Inside
Ever wish for a squad that's got your back no matter what? No such luck yet? Building relationships that brim with trust, authenticity, and emotional equity is no walk in the park—especially in our era of political division and burnout hashtags. But hey, if you're burning out, don't expect your crowd to bring marshmallows. More on burnout later on in the course, where I’ll give you the 411 on how to be your own best cheerleader. Why? Because the "smallest room" that matters most is your inner space. Get that right, and your community will overflow with the right vibes.
The "smallest room" concept is a microcosm of the broader idea of showing up authentically and fully. In environments like arts organizations, corporate settings, or even personal relationships, creating that "smallest room" where everyone feels seen, heard, and integral to the collective mission helps in fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. When we feel like we're an essential part of a meaningful endeavor, it's easier to show up not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually.
Showing up for ourselves is a nuanced layer of this concept. When we are fully present in our roles—whether as leaders, artists, parents, or friends—we are also making an emotional and mental investment in our well-being. This full, authentic presence becomes a bulwark against burnout. When we are genuinely engaged, work and responsibilities become less about a draining 'to-do' list and more about fulfilling activities that align with our values and passions.
But there's a caveat. Even the most passionate of undertakings can lead to exhaustion if we don't balance our 'economy of showing up.' The stock market of our energy and enthusiasm can crash if over-invested without returns. That's why it's crucial to remember that showing up for ourselves also means knowing when to step back, rest, and replenish. Burnout often creeps in when we are present everywhere but in our own well-being.
In the "smallest room," everyone should feel the urgency, immediacy, and fullness of the moment. When we can create that experience not just for others but also for ourselves, we are less likely to stretch ourselves thin across too many commitments. Instead, we concentrate our energies where they matter most, deriving both pleasure and purpose, thereby reducing the risk of burnout.
So, in a way, the "smallest room" isn't just a physical space or a specific gathering; it's also a state of mind. It's the mental room we create to weigh our priorities, evaluate our presence, and balance our emotional ledger to ensure we're not spending more than we can afford, emotionally and mentally.
Stuff for Showing Up
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean for you to “show up” in someone's life?
2. How do you usually resource yourself to avoid burnout? Does it make sense that showing up for others can be a way to avoid burnout if we’re careful? Why or why not?
3. How would you describe the smallest room within you?
At-Home Activity: Designing Your Inner Room
Objective: To apply the concept of "the smallest room" to your personal life, in order to create a space of authenticity, purpose, and well-being that guards against burnout.
Materials Needed: Pen and paper, or a digital note-taking app.
Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
Sketch Your Room: Draw a simple sketch of a room on your paper or digital device. This is your 'smallest room,' a representation of your inner self.
Label Zones: Partition the room into different areas like 'Work,' 'Family,' 'Personal Goals,' 'Well-Being,' etc. These are your life roles, the sectors where you need to show up.
Set the Temperature: For each area, use a color or a symbol to indicate the emotional climate. Is 'Work' heated with stress? Is 'Family' warm with love?
Add Furniture: In each partition, place items that represent your tools for showing up. A 'Desk' in Work for focus, a 'Couch' in Family for comfort, or a 'Treadmill' in Well-Being for physical health.
Door to Replenish: Designate a space in your room as the 'Exit' or 'Rest Zone.' This is where you step back, resource yourself, and avoid burnout.
Reflect: Take a few moments to consider your design. Is one area overwhelming the others? Is your 'Rest Zone' easily accessible?
Discussion:
Compare your inner room with your actual life. Are there areas where you're showing up too much, thereby risking burnout?
How can you better balance your 'economy of showing up' based on this activity?
The goal is to construct an inner room that feels full, urgent, and rich in purpose but also balanced enough to keep you from stretching too thin. It's your blueprint for a life where you can show up fully—both for yourself and for others.
Social Activity: The Smallest Room Check-In
Objective: To apply the "smallest room" concept in a social context, focusing on authenticity and shared purpose while being mindful of burnout.
Materials Needed: Small sheets of paper, pens, a bowl.
Time: 20-30 minutes
Number of Participants: 4 or more
Instructions:
Quick Intro: Briefly explain the idea of the "smallest room"—a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and integral to the collective mission.
Role and Energy: Give each participant a sheet of paper and ask them to write down one role they often play in their lives (e.g., Parent, Team Member, Artist). Then, mark it as 'High Energy,' 'Medium Energy,' or 'Low Energy.'
Bowl of Roles: Fold the sheets and place them in a bowl.
Random Selection: Each participant picks a sheet from the bowl, reads the role and energy level, and then shares a one-sentence pledge about how they can show up more authentically in that role, without risking burnout.
Group Commitment: End with a group agreement to be mindful of how everyone is showing up in their roles, especially those marked 'High Energy,' to prevent burnout.
Discussion:
Reflect briefly on any surprising insights or common themes that arose. Do you see new ways to show up in your "smallest room"?
This streamlined activity quickly gets to the essence of the "smallest room," facilitating an awareness of how we can show up for ourselves and each other in a balanced way.
Wrap-up & Welcome
Let's continue this rich dialogue outside this space. Share your thoughts in the comments or find us on Facebook at Controlled Burn Sparks Community and on Instagram at controlledburnthebook. If this conversation resonates with you, consider passing it along by sharing this blog using the buttons below.
You're not just a reader here; you're a vital part of a welcoming community—a "smallest room" we're building online where your presence fills us with purpose and energy. Your thoughts and experiences aren't just welcome; they're essential. So come in, make yourself at home.