What even is fun? Is it being mischievous, laughing or feeling utterly content? Do you make having fun a daily practice?
Here’s our take on fun as a vital element of work-life harmony. Fun isn’t just a fleeting moment of laughter or entertainment; it’s a purposeful act of infusing joy and enjoyment into your life. It’s about consciously dedicating time to relish experiences that truly matter to you. In the realm of fun, the activity itself isn’t a means to an end; it is the end itself.
Picture it as a canvas where you are both the artist and the masterpiece. Fun is the vibrant palette of colours you use to paint your life. It’s the act of engaging in experiences, whether alone or with others, with the sole intention of having fun. It’s not about what comes next; it’s about savouring each moment as it unfolds.
Now, how does fun support our careers and overall life? It’s not merely a lighthearted pursuit; it can have profound positive effects. Here are a few ways intentional fun can elevate your life:
- Reduce stress and boost well-being
- Enhance creativity and innovation
- Strengthen relationships, both inside and outside of the workplace
- Increase motivation and productivity
- Enhance communication skills
We’re not suggesting you be reckless; instead, identify ways to infuse fun into your life. Strike a balance between what’s essential to do and what’s just as important to feel — the joy that comes from having fun! Let’s adopt a fresh perspective to inject more fun into your world. Consider reframing the concept of hobbies across these five categories and see how they align with your idea of fun in your life:
- A hobby to make you money: work, side hustle, investments
- A hobby to keep you in shape: dance, exercise, yoga
- A hobby to empower your curiosity: photography, pottery, sports drafts
- A hobby to build your knowledge: reading, socialize, courses
- A hobby to evolve your mindset: travelling, international films, engaging with new cultures
Challenge: In this age of documenting everything on social media, have fun in secret. Fully immerse yourself in the moment, experiencing the heightened joy it brings. Next time you’re truly having fun, don’t capture it, don’t post about it — just take in the moment and feel it.
Stay tuned for our next post as we explore who truly merits our energy, allowing us to experience joy and fulfillment by surrounding ourselves with individuals who enrich our lives as we discuss the fifth dimension: Family & Friends.
Gori Bhullar, Law and Business ’13, is a seasoned Management Consultant with a specialization in understanding Human Behavior in the workplace. She has spearheaded transformative People & Culture initiatives for several organizations. Currently, Gori works in the Financial Services industry in Toronto, Canada, where she leads strategic People & Culture efforts for over 60,000 employees across North America. Her commitment to fostering talent is her hallmark, making her a standout figure in her field. Stay tuned for her insights in this series.
Read other posts from the Re-defining Success series: