Work hard, have fun, and make history.
-Jeff Bezos
Have fun! It’s sometimes easier said than done. You can’t force someone to have fun. I remember when my dad would get on to me about something and we would then go out in public. He would stop and tell me to smile in a very unfriendly way. I wasn’t exactly inspired to put on a smiling face.
Even though you can’t force fun, you can make it more of a habit in your life. Here are some tips to draw out some fun and joy in your life.
Don’t worry about what others think
We tend to carry a heavy value on what other people think of us when we are in school. You don’t truly escape that want and need to be liked by others as you grow into an adult. A few do, but most are somewhere on the scale of desiring acceptance.
The desire to be accepted, or fear of being rejected depending on your perspective, holds many people back from having fun. Do your best to let go of that. I don’t mean showing up at work out of the blue in your PJs and a unicorn mask. Take baby steps. become more comfortable with yourself and give yourself the freedom to have fun.
It’s common for me to come downstairs, have a dance off or training battle with my son, a self-deprecating conversation with my daughter and fun talk with my wife. I believe that it’s important for your kids, spouse, significant other and friends to see you having fun. Your joy gives them joy.
Make fun out of things you normally do
Look for ways to make some of the things that you do more fun. There are several out of the box options available if you know where to look. When I first started to get into running, I found an app called zombies, run! It has story-based missions where you go on supply runs and build up your base during the apocalypse. I certainly helped me get out and have fun on my runs. It played my music, I got to be a part of a serialized drama and I got my exercise in as well. If you need help to get some ideas, do a search for “fun things to do ______” The blank is your normal routine. Ex. while at work, on my commute, at home, with the kids, etc.
Ask people entertaining questions
This has been one that my wife and I have enjoyed this year. We meet weekly with a small group that we do life together with. It’s equal parts accountability, growth, socializing and learning. We started kicking off our get-togethers with fun and entertaining questions. One was, “What is your favorite cereal?” That turned into a half hour long discussion of passion for cereal, remembering great ones that are now gone, funny stories involving cereal and an idea to have a cereal social. Even questions and conversation starters that seem mundane can spark all kinds of fun discussion. If you need help here, do a search for fun topic starters or icebreakers.
Be yourself and have fun! Try to let go of what other people think of you and enjoy some fun moments throughout the week. Your mind and body will thank you.
Make a better tomorrow.
-ZH
