Our holiday experience at the start of this year provoked insight into the importance of pure and simple “fun”. Upon reflection I believe too many of us “grown ups” have lost this ability – we are far too busy in our daily lives concentrating on what we need to “do”. Our experience of mixing with people from different countries and cultures certainly provoked a different focus on “fun”!
I recall visiting West Berlin – before The Wall was demolished (yes I admit to being wise in my years??!!) – and feeling the vibe and energy of people “living on the edge”. They knew how to be present and to have fun – it felt like they didn’t know what was around the corner so they should just have fun.
I felt this too in our holiday where we spent time with people from different countries – many also “living on the edge of uncertainty” – and we embraced an attitude of “fun and frivolity”. It made me think also of those wonderful childhood years where we went from one “fun” activity to another.
Those of you who know me well and read my Blogs know I refer to the “pendulum” concept regularly – and I really don’t think we need to swing from total fun to total seriousness so viciously. We need to find our “core” that enables us to engage in fun everyday – laugh at ourselves and laugh with others. We really need to get better at this.
Listening to my grownup daughters laughing today as they engaged in a serious and challenging task – made me feel good – and that’s what fun and laughter does! It makes you feel good and it enables greater productivity.
I recall many years ago as a leader in a global practice being challenged by a colleague that I couldn’t possibly be doing any real work and was instead having a tea party because the laughter was simply too loud and disrupting his thinking. He suggested I get back to work.
I invite you to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself – “am I having enough fun” everyday? If not make some changes.
