Achievements Under 18 - Ice Breaker Game
๐ฏ Quick Summary
Coworkers share accomplishments achieved before age 18, revealing formative experiences and early talents.
โ Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- โขThis ice breaker has been used by 1,765 teams worldwide
- โขRated 4.2/5.0 by 68 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- โขPerfect ice breaker for: Fun, Team Building, Deep Talk
๐ How to Play Achievements Under 18 Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Introduction & First Sharing
5 min๐ฌ Say This:
"Let's go back in time! Today, we're sharing Achievements Under 18 - one accomplishment you're proud of from before you turned 18. It can be anything: academic, athletic, creative, personal, big or small. If you won a spelling bee, learned to surf, organized a fundraiser, or finally beat your older sibling at chess - all count! I'll go first to show you what I mean: [share your achievement and brief story]. Who wants to go next?"
๐ What to Do:
- 1.Explain the concept: share one achievement from before age 18
- 2.Clarify: 'achievement' is broadly defined - anything you were proud of
- 3.Give examples across different categories:
- 4. Academic: honor roll, science fair win, debate trophy, learned a language
- 5. Athletic: made a team, won a race, learned a sport, physical milestone
- 6. Creative: performed in a show, published writing, completed an art project, mastered an instrument
- 7. Personal: overcame a fear, helped family, saved money for something, learned independence
- 8. Social/Leadership: organized an event, led a club, mentored younger kids
- 9.The facilitator goes first to model vulnerability and set the tone
- 10.Invite the first volunteer to share
๐ก Pro Tips:
- โขStarting with your own achievement sets the tone and shows it's safe to share
- โขEmphasize: 'Big or small, serious or silly - all achievements count!'
- โขSome people will have obvious achievements (state champion!), others more subtle (finally learned to tie my shoes at age 8!) - celebrate both equally
- โขEncourage a 1-2 minute story, not just a title: 'Tell us the story behind it!'
- โขWatch for people who say 'I didn't achieve anything' - gently probe: 'What were you proud of as a kid? What did you work hard at?'
- โขVirtual: use 'raise hand' feature or go in alphabetical order by first name
Step 2: Group Sharing & Stories
20 min๐ฌ Say This:
"[After each person shares] That's amazing! Tell us more - how did that feel? [Or] What made you pursue that? [Or] Do you still [do that activity/have that skill]? [Continue around the group] Who's next? [Keep energy positive and curious throughout]"
๐ What to Do:
- 1.Go around the group, with each person sharing their under-18 achievement
- 2.Encourage 1-2 minutes per person (adjust based on group size)
- 3.After each share, ask a follow-up question:
- 4. 'How did that experience shape who you are today?'
- 5. 'Do you still do that activity?'
- 6. 'What did you learn from that achievement?'
- 7. 'Who supported you in achieving that?'
- 8.Allow brief reactions from the group: 'Wow!' 'That's impressive!' 'I didn't know that about you!'
- 9.If time allows, play multiple rounds so people can share additional achievements
- 10.Notice patterns and themes emerging
๐ก Pro Tips:
- โขThe follow-up questions deepen the sharing - don't skip them!
- โขWatch for common threads: 'Three people were in band!' 'Lots of athletes in the room!' 'We have some serious scholars here!'
- โขSome achievements will be objectively impressive (published at 16!), others personally significant but humble (learned to swim despite my fear) - honor both
- โขIf someone shares something remarkable, let the group react: 'That deserves applause!'
- โขNotice: early achievements often foreshadow current skills/interests
- โขPoint out connections: 'You both did theater! Did you know?'
- โขKeep the pace moving if the group is large - you can always do a second round later
Step 3: Reflection & Connections
5 min๐ฌ Say This:
"What incredible childhoods! What patterns did you notice? Did anyone's achievement surprise you? How do you see your teammates' early accomplishments showing up in their work today? What does this tell us about the diverse talents and experiences we bring to this team?"
๐ What to Do:
- 1.Facilitate reflection on what was shared
- 2.Ask: 'What surprised you most?' 'Whose achievement inspired you?'
- 3.Point out patterns: 'We have a lot of performers! A lot of athletes! A lot of helpers!'
- 4.Connect past to present: 'How do you see those childhood skills showing up in your work now?'
- 5.Discuss: 'What does it reveal about someone that they chose THAT achievement to share?'
- 6.Invite final thoughts: 'What's one thing you learned about a teammate today?'
- 7.Thank everyone for sharing their younger selves
๐ก Pro Tips:
- โขThe real insight: childhood achievements reveal innate strengths and interests
- โขGreat connection: 'You organized fundraisers at 15, and now you lead projects - makes sense!'
- โขPoint out diversity: 'Our team's childhood experiences span academics, arts, sports, leadership - that's powerful!'
- โขSome people's achievements will have been forgotten or downplayed - this activity reminds them of their own resilience and capability
- โขAsk: 'Did anyone rediscover something about themselves they'd forgotten?'
- โขFollow-up idea: 'Bring a photo of yourself at the age you achieved this next time!'
- โขFor ongoing teams, revisit periodically: 'Share a NEW achievement under 18 we haven't heard yet'
โ ๏ธ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if someone says they didn't achieve anything before 18?
A: Gently challenge that: 'Everyone accomplished SOMETHING. What were you proud of as a kid? What did you work hard at? What did you learn to do?' Reframe 'achievement' broadly: overcoming a fear, being a good friend, helping family, learning a skill, surviving a difficult time. If they truly can't think of one, they can pass - but most people just need a moment to remember. Sometimes the 'small' achievements (learned to cook, raised a younger sibling) are the most meaningful.
Q: What if someone's achievement is way more impressive than others and makes people feel inadequate?
A: Celebrate all achievements equally! Say: 'Every achievement matters - whether you won a national championship or finally conquered your fear of public speaking. The significance is personal, not comparative.' Emphasize that this isn't a competition. Point out: 'The achievement you're most proud of reveals what YOU value, not objective success.' If someone seems to be one-upping others, gently redirect focus to the story behind the achievement, not the impressiveness.
Q: Can we adapt this to different age ranges?
A: Absolutely! Variations: 'Achievements Under 25' (for younger teams or to include early career wins), 'Achievements Before This Job' (work-focused), 'Childhood Milestones' (first bike ride, first book read, first friend), or 'Achievements in the Last Year' (present-focused). The core concept - sharing proud moments - is flexible. Adjust the age/time frame to fit your group's demographics and goals.
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