Daily Leadership Thought #161 – Are You Having Fun?
I have always believed it is important to have fun at work and at home as often as possible. Life can feel like a treadmill otherwise. I am not saying your day-to-day existence should be all “wine and roses”; however, it should be about finding some level of joy in the daily aspects of our human existence. It doesn’t have to involve a big gesture; it can be as simple as:
- Calling an old friend
- Listening to one of your favorite songs and singing along
- Spending some time with a colleague who makes you laugh
- Being around people who make you feel good about yourself and life
- Playing with your kids
- Reading a good book
- Walking your dog
- Going for a jog or a stroll
- Being silly with your grandchildren
- INSERT YOUR OWN IDEAS…
The list of sources of happiness and enjoyment is exceptionally long. All you need to do is find what works for you and approach it with the right attitude. In fact, making a list of the activities you enjoy is a wise idea, as it can serve as a good reference point when you’re struggling to find enjoyment in your life.
Seeking opportunities for fun is a conscious choice. Rarely does it just happen. While we all have moments of spontaneous joy, this is usually the exception, not the rule. I encourage you to make having fun a fundamental part of your daily, weekly, and monthly activities. You don’t have to be a brilliant planner to bring more joy into your life; you just need to continually seek ways to incorporate it.
However, be careful not to go too far in the other direction; no one lives a life of endless fun. I have found that the more you have of something, the less you appreciate it. As the saying goes, “Too much of a good thing never is.”
You still need to manage responsibilities, deadlines, commutes, chores, bills to pay, and so forth. Look at fun as you would the seasoning of a meal. Sprinkle it in as needed. Some days might require more seasoning, while others might need less. Try to avoid bland days by asking yourself, “How am I going to make fun a part of my day today?” Then use your answers to inspire action.
Related articles
- Having Fun – We Are Designed For It (psychologytoday.com)
- While I’m Here (sarahmcow.com)