Practice new, fun ways of thinking and behaving to create new ways to learn.
How often do you have fun?
I don’t mean those times that just make us smile, I mean those moments when you are belly laughing, when the tears are rolling and the jaw is aching.
Probably not as often as you would like, right?
Having worked recently to identify my values, I wasn’t surprised that fun was at the top of the list, but I was surprised at how easy it is to forget to seek it out. We get so busy with life, going through the motions of every day and trying to make every day successful, I had somehow neglected to insert fun into those 24 hours.
I count myself lucky that I love what I do. Working with people who are motivated to grow and are open to having a good time, while learning new skills, rates way up there in the category of fun things for me. I also get to work with some great partners, who value fun as much as I do.
My goal is to create a safe and fun environment for people so they feel they can practice, and possibly fail, while learning to put new ways of thinking and behaving into their daily lives.
Fail! You may be thinking that doesn’t sound like fun! But making mistakes and figuring out new ways to do something is a great way to learn, and if there’s a risk or challenge, then why not find ways to enjoy it.
So, I started to actively seek out “fun” stuff to do. I joined an improve class. That was a type of fun I knew I would appreciate, and I met some very funny people. But there is more to Improv than telling jokes, it’s more about being in the moment than being a comedian. Allowing whatever happens to happen, without trying to take control. Learning to listen and build on a conversation, rather than making it all about your own ideas and agenda. And also just saying and doing silly stuff!!!
My next fun venture was Axe Throwing! On the face of it, slightly more dangerous than improv, but no less fun. Doing something completely new, which includes an element of risk, turns out to be a really fun thing to do. Taking a risk and stepping into the unknown gave me an experience I didn’t expect. Turning the fear into excitement.
Here is what I learnt about how I can have more fun
Try something with no expectation of the outcome
Being focused on a specific outcome can create tension and fear that things won’t go well... and that's not fun!
Be with other people who also want to have fun
I realized that although I think I am very funny (my kids don’t agree!) I do need to have other fun people around to share the experience.
Shift your mindset to look for fun opportunities
What you look for, you will see. For some people a new of different situation feels scary. But shifting your mindset to see possibilities can allow you to go into a situation more positively and open to having fun.
Step out of your comfort zone and be vulnerable to the feelings
Adrenalin is a self-produced hormone that helps our bodies prepare for an event. Instead of labeling the feeling as anxiety, reframe it as excitement. Look at the possibilities, how can you enjoy it and make it fun.
Find something that gives you real deep raw belly busting laughter
Whatever activities you choose, (it might not be axe throwing or Improv) find the laughter. That was the stuff I didn’t realize I was missing. I think I might be a laughter seeker.
Let me know what you choose, I might want to try it too!
Have fun, good fun, that makes you laugh.
Send me an email or use the form at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
I'd love to hear your story!
Thanks for reading, I hope this has given you some things to think about and you have some of your own Lightbulb Moments.
I'd love to hear about them.
If you would like some help experiencing them, I'd love to help.
Please share this with anyone you know who loves experiencing Lightbulb Moments.
Enjoy the Ping!
Viki Johnston