‘Work is serious business – but a serious attitude is entirely optional’ – Unknown
Work can be a serious-minded place for sure. Many people can be very ridged thinkers particularly on the job. They want things done in a certain way and see no reason to see things from a different perspective. They can find those who get their work done with a joking or fun attitude downright irritating. I feel sorry for those people.
Luckily, the fact is being lively and having a lighthearted attitude can actually increase your productively. Allowing yourself to be playful is about being in touch with your true self, enjoying life in the moment without unnecessary freaking out or worry. Yes, there is a right time and place to use fun and humor, but what a difference it can make!
The way we look at life determines how we look at our experiences, setbacks and the situations we find ourselves in at work as well as at home. If we generally have a happy, playful attitude we look at the same situation very differently than someone who has a negative attitude. We are living in a very negative society today and feeling largely positive can seem unrealistic or even naïve. That belief needs to be debunked. Read the biographies of extremely successful people and you will see that they share a positive outlook on life.
Playing is productive – especially at work! There is no reason for you to ever outgrow your sense of play.
Here are just some of the great things acting playfully can do for you:
• Brings out creativity, Sparks inventiveness and resourcefulness
• Increases workplace happiness, Enhances social skills and cooperation
• Helps you to be more productive and perform complex tasks better
Need some ideas to kick up your fun factor? Try these – just maybe not all of them at work:
• Make a habit of watching funny movies or You Tube clips
• Read funny or uplifting stories
• Use your imagination as often as you can
• Tell funny jokes (we do cheesy joke day every Friday at my day job – people love it)
• Dance and sing along to music
• Cut yourself some slack and don’t take yourself too seriously
When was the last time let go of worry and fear and allowed yourself to be truly amused?
Being playful is the perfect way to give yourself a break and find gratification through even the most somber times. Go on – Stop worrying…be happy!