A great way to find more meaning in your life and work is to start a Prisoners of Our Thoughts Discussion Group. The group can serve as a catalyst for open and focused dialogue and gaining deeper insights from others. Here are the top 10 considerations on how to start a Prisoners of Our Thoughts Discussion Group:

  1. Invite your coworkers or friends to join the Prisoners of Our Thoughts Discussion Group.
  2. We suggest that the group meet for 7 weeks, with the focus of each week being a different Core Principle.
  3. Your group can range in size but the recommended group size is 7 to 10 participants. We also suggest that the members of the discussion group remain the same for the 7 weeks so that the flow of the sharing and learning is not interrupted.
  4. You may choose to meet at the same location/time each week or vary the location/time depending on the group's needs.
  5. The estimated time for the discussion group will vary depending on the number of participants and how "lively" and "meaning-full" your discussions prove to be. Estimate 30 minutes for the first meeting and see how it goes! Lunch time is often the best time to meet.
  6. Each member of the group should purchase a copy of Prisoners of Our Thoughts.
  7. Make sure that the first discussion group is scheduled at least a few weeks after everyone receives their copy of Prisoners of Our Thoughts, in order to allow enough time for them to read the first 4 chapters.
  8. Each member of the group should read the chapter pertaining to that week's Core Principle and come to the discussion group ready to discuss their insights, as well as ask questions, regarding how that particular Core Principle applies to their work and personal life.
  9. We suggest that the group appoint a facilitator who is responsible for notifying the group of any changes in time or location, monitoring start and stop times, and encouraging authentic dialogue among the participants.
  10. Begin the group with a "welcome" and then ask each participant to comment on the trigger questions at the end of each chapter. Make sure that everyone participates and has a chance to voice his or her opinions. We can all learn and benefit from each other's experiences and insights.