It is the middle of winter and we have been indoors more than usual which means our playful spirits may be more confined unless we have been able to hit the slopes.
Think about what you might do at this time of year to change up your life a little and play more. Is it time for an indoor Luau? Is it time for a Super Bowl party or contest? Is it time for you to just invite friends out for bowling, paintball or to just drink some wine and laugh a lot.
Don't let the winter blahs get you down. Punch back with gaiety and fun and friends!
If you get really adventuresome, look at your work and business and see what you can do that will really lighten it up in bringing it to others. What is something catchy you can do to help people see you in a whole new way?
In the video below you will get to see one of the most amazing advertising experiments that I have seen in a long time.
Having visited Paris and used the METRO many times, I found the idea of what they have done here fascinating.
"Since winter is the time of long underwear we are passing along the suggestion that you look at what's underneath for you, but rather than clothes, what is underneath the actions and decisions you make? Check out this short, simple book for great ideas that can underlay all that you do."
Show everyone how you "Playmore"
Click to Buy!
Let the world know you know how to Playmore! Custom tee-shirt made of 100% cotton
Banana Bites
The New Year of Playful Dreaming
Did you know that the key to this New Year is in your dreams? "But I don't remember my dreams you exclaim!" Not a problem, this is about dreaming when you are awake.
Join us at Playmore this year for a wonderful exercise that we are doing every day. Here is how it goes. For five minutes each day grab a piece of paper, (or a notebook if you think you will want to read this again sometime), and write down the rest of the sentence "I dream of......," five times. That's right. Write "I dream of...." and then finish the sentence five different times. Five wonderful dreams every day. It is remarkable what is hiding in your head and it is a ton of fun!
You can dream of anything! Even putting the Champagne back in the bottle if you indulged too much on New Year's Eve!
Can you believe it is Thanksgiving here in the US already? I hope this year brought you lots of joy and play and fun.
Remember time flies so be playful and present these days.
Play tells us to pause, take a deep breath, enjoy the moment even when you are getting your teeth drilled, sitting in a boring meeting or waiting for a call that hasn't come yet.
As many people know, I truly believe in five seconds or less to lighten our burdens and lift our hearts. Work is often at the mercy of our mood. Poor mood, poor work. Good mood, better work.
A joke this past week from my friends at www.gcfl.net pointed this out to me so well. Here it is:
Training:
"Where did you receive your training?"
"Yale."
"Good. And what's your name?"
"Yim Yohnson."
Received from ArcaMax Jokes.
See how it works, short, simple and funny.
A picture can do the same thing. Check this out........
Pause, laugh and lighten up! If you are worried about taking the time to play let's let an icon that we all know and love, and who left us this past week tell us the truth;
"I've learned that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done."
This week is a great opportunity for you to observe your work and your life and ask the question above. The first big question is, "Do you want to be Happy?" The second big question, "Do you know how to play to be happy?"
Try this list of questions out today, writing out the answers. Look at what you write. What needs to change for you relative to how you play and how much you play to make you happier?
Is your work a joy?
Do you feel playful with the challenges and opportunities that present themselves to you each day in the work you do?
Are your family and friends a joy?
When is the last time you played with them?
When you have time off, what comes first, work or play?
What would it take to get you to play more?
If you answered the last question, " more free time," would you be willing to make that time?
Do you have a list of at least 24 ways you like to play so you have reminders?
Do you truly understand the gifts of play?
Do you know how real happiness comes into your life?
Do you need to be convinced? Check out this new movie and movement....
What Oswald the Rabbit Can Teach Us about Letting Go
Many people are unaware that Oswald the Rabbit was really what Walt Disney had planned to use to make a name for Disney.
Unfortunately as a young business person Walt set up a distribution/licensing arrangement that basically created a boondoggle that caused him to have to relinquish all rights to Oswald.
Think about this for a minute, if this did not happen, would Mickey Mouse be with us today?
In our lives we will find that there are things we cling to, fight for, and believe that we cannot do without.
Quite often we will find that releasing them, ceasing the battle, and moving on brings in something bigger and more wonderful.
Maybe our play some days is to just let go.
I'm glad Mickey is here. (No offense Oswald.)
October 2011
Banana Bites
What Does Heart Play Look Like?
I am asked this question many, many times when I talk about play.
People say, "How will I know when it is my heart play?"
Well, it's simple;
First, you will feel an incredible peace even if you are in the middle of a physical or mental challenge.
Second, you will find a smile on your face, without having to think about it.
Third, you will feel alive.
Play is such a wonderful gift to us in times of trial, in times of stress, and in the face of fear of what comes next.
One of the best ways to understand all of this is to see it in action.
As you watch this think about three things; the hours of rehearsal, the pressure of being on stage, and the fun they are having.
Life is full of "to do's" that are normal, ordinary and things that we have done before. Work, cleaning, shopping, laundry, meetings, and more.
Play offers the opportunity to do things, like we have done before, however maybe with a twist.
What routine things that you do would be changed by music, movement, a different environment or actually trying to do it differently? What would a meeting outside be like, with all this lovely Fall weather? How would washing the car or cleaning the house be different, even fun, with some music? How about some creative clothing for a change?
Experimentation is a wonderful form of play. Watch kids. They will experiment with almost anything you put in their hands.
When did you stop experimenting and how could you start again?
Watch this video of some incredible experimentation.
The "A" in play is a fascinating letter. It has three strokes, reminding us to "Act," "Allow" and "Appreciate."
Quite often when things in life befuddle us we forget the simple concept of just take some action, any action no matter how small. Play with ideas, thoughts and actions to see what resonates with you and will take you where you want to go.
I am always amazed when I see someone take a small action that leads to big things. In our lives or in our businesses we need to think about how we might take one small action that will in turn lead to another and another and another and eventually get us to the top of that mountain we are trying to climb.
Enjoy this great video about one small action that led to a tremendous number of actions and changed the lives of so many. (The singing at the end shows you why you take that first step!)
In the art of play as a business and life tool there is something that I have seen called "playful giving."
This is a unique tool where you can find a way to give to others in an unexpected and wonderful way.
An example; recently a business went through a difficult couple of months for revenue. A variety of things conspired to make this a tough time and there was an end in sight, but for this period cash flow was a challenge. A vendor, aware of the situation, offered a reduced rate for their services during this time. Not delayed billing or deferred payment, an actual reduction that did not have to be made up at a later date.
An individual I know saw that someone was in a particularly tough spot one week and arranged for flowers to be delivered anonymously to them. Another person shipped off some gift cards, again, anonymously.
Recently I saw a small group of people give their time, to someone who needed their support.
Playful giving is seeing a situation, knowing you can help and then doing it. Simple, sometimes anonymously, and always with a playful heart.
One of my favorite books of the last year was Jim Wallis' "Rediscovering Values - On Wall Street, Main Street and Your Street." This incredible book has a quote in it that I have adopted for life.
"Calendars and Budgets are moral documents"
For those people who make a concerted effort to look at their days, not just work days, but play days as well, and get the most from them will find true "heart play." People who can make the time to do the most for others also find "heart play."
When we are productive, even in our play, such as reading a good book, doing a fun sport or activity, getting together with people we like and respect, sharing a community activity to help others, our calendar becomes a reflection of how we truly want to live.
I saw Tony Robbins recently ask an audience on TED, "When do people really truly start to live?"
I think we truly start to live when we have honored our time, being productive without being overwhelmed and allowing ourselves some time for play each week.
To that end, be playful with your time by being productive with the hours, minutes and days that you have each week. If this is not all playful for you, find someone to help you be more productive so you can "start to live" sooner rather than later.
Here is a quick way to get there if you feel challenged...........
I highly recommend THE PRODUCTIVITY ACADEMY with my friend and colleagueLaura Stack, president of The Productivity Pro®, Inc. and president of the National Speakers Association.
You'll learn Laura's new, innovative Productivity Workflow Formula (PWF), based on her upcoming book, What to Do When There's Too Much to Do (Berrett-Koehler, May 2012). Are you tired of hearing "do more with less"? Many people are already working as long and as hard as they can, and "productivity improvement" classes can be hard to swallow. Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro®, turns time management on its head and shows overwhelmed professionals how to actually DO LESS and ACHIEVE MORE
When: Friday, October 21, 2011 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Investment: $299 (includes a one-year membership in our NEW productivity community). Special $100 EARLY-BIRD discount by August 31. Use coupon code EARLY. If 3 or more register from the same company, take another $100 off. Go towww.theproductivityacademy.com for course objectives and to register. Limited to 100 people. Questions: Please email Becca@TheProductivityPro.com or call 303-471-7401.
July 2011
Banana Bites
Playing with Horses
Many years ago, when things in my life were not all that playful, I had an unusual opportunity to take a look at myself through the eyes of a horse.
Now that is just plain weird.
Let me explain. I went down to Tucson, Arizona to participate in a five day program that was going to introduce me to a variety of ways to sit back and see the world through different eyes. Among other things, I learned what sand painting can do to help you meditate and had a firsthand experience with a scorpion which we both survived.
One day we were taken over to some horse barns and a large corral. After a few brief words we were told to pick out a horse to work with that morning. We were not going to ride these horses, only walk them, take them through some commands and then groom them. While I admire horses, had done some riding and grooming, I still harbored more than a little fear of them. My reluctance to go out and "pick a horse" ended up biting me in the nose as they ran out of horses, so they decided to use a horse they were boarding for someone so I would not be left out. Now this guy was in a separate corral and more than a number of hands larger than any of the other horses. I almost fainted.
The comedy video you will never see is when they handed me the reins and told me to walk the horse over to the fence across the corral and tie him up so I could begin to groom him. Picture the horse going where ever he wanted in the corral trotting along with me holding the reins, yelling "Whoa Horsy, this way horsy," trying to use my heels as brakes and the horse throwing casual looks back at me being pulled along laughing like only a horse can do.
After the leader stopped laughing he came up to the two of us, stopped the horse and looked and me and said, "If you think the horse is doing this to be obstinate, you are wrong, he is only responding to how you feel. He can sense how fast you are goinginside. Stand still next to him until you feel totally at ease and at peace, slow down on the inside, then try it again."
We stood there for quite a long time, I often wonder if it was an hour, while I did exactly that. When I finally felt at peace I began to walk again, very slowly and the horse fell in right beside me without the slightest pull. Later, after I groomed, him we took at nap together, his head on my shoulder, my head leaning on his nose.
Find a horse and look in the mirror. What will you see?
Meanwhile, check out this short preview that will tell you more about the playful magic horses bring to our lives.
When I saw the latest technology from Japan recently, (or maybe I am the last to see this!), I couldn't help but think about how much fun life is. As you watch what we create each day in the world, you see wonderful things that add joy and fun and ease to our lives.
Think about how grand we are making our world. For example, washing clothes. Years ago, after the washing board and tub there was the rolling clothes washer. You maneuvered it over to the sink and hooked up the hoses to the water faucet, let it fill up and agitate, then hand cranked the water out while the tub filled for the rinse cycle, then after that hand cranked out the water to hang the clothes on the line to dry. How much effort goes into washing your clothes today?
Spend today and this week noticing how wonderful we are making our world. How many ways can you find?
How many ways will you create ease and therefore, fun, for others? Get cracking!
Another way to create ease is through honor. Go to www.facebook.com/Kudo.honorstoday and honor someone in your life.
The Kudo Effect
Go to The Kudo Effect and give someone the gift of the stories in this fun book.
May 2011
Banana Bites
"I Believe"
There is so much joy in play. We frequently forget how much play can teach us about our abilities and even our persistence. A few simple words in our heads or better yet, out loud, carry a lot of weight in getting us where we want to go. In getting us to "Be" who we want to be.
This young man has a message for all us, "Believe You Can."
"The Kudo Effect" is about people who wonder about themselves and their lives and come to know that they have a place, a mission, a reason. Watch how others help them to "believe." Find "The Kudo Effect" here.
May 2011
Banana Bites
Messing With My Reality
In today's world we are very literal. Things happen as expected and as they should, most of the time.
We are funny people in that we like to believe we know what is going on, but in reality....., it can get murky.
One of the things you can do to make your life more interesting and playful is to test what is real and what is not.
What is even better is when other people mess with your reality. Enjoy this show, especially the guy at the end in the cart....... "never mind."
Don't forget "The Kudo Effect" will be for sale on June 1st at Amazon.com!
May 2011
Banana Bites
How are You? No really, how are You?
This question is posed to you every day. Have you ever noticed how many times a day?
The checkout clerk at every store, people who work with you, your boss, the people who work for you, the people who come to meet with you, your friends, your family, your neighbors, the solicitor on the phone, your insurance agent, the person who cuts your hair, the mechanic and a lot more.
Why do people ask this?
Do you think they really want to know the nitty gritty details of the dog throwing up in the middle of the night next to your bed? Your opinion of the person who just cut you off in traffic? The fact that you just won the lottery? The fact that you got no sleep last night?
The answer is yes and no.
Have some fun and be playful with this question for the next week. Think about the following responses and see where they will lead in the conversation.
Happy people answer:
How am I? I am so good that it would be impossible for life to be better!
How am I? Fantabulous! (Fantastic + Fabulous)
How am I? So good that I am ready to climb Everest and run a marathon!
Paranoid people answer:
How am I? Why, do you know something I don't know?
How am I? Scared to death about what comes next.
Optimistic people answer:
How am I? Getting ready for the day to just get better and better!
How am I? Smarter than yesterday, and getting more brilliant every day!
And your answer is...........................?
May 2011
Banana Bites
What Do Bathrooms Have to do with the IRS?
So today I had a long and interesting conversation with the IRS. Okay, that is too obvious, what conversation with the IRS is not long and interesting? After many hours, much research and a little bit of "what don't you understand?" the situation was resolved, well will be resolved, IRS time is not normal time I found out.
Feeling completely wrung out from all of this my able assistant mentioned it was time to write Banana Bites for this week. My response, "You are joking, right?" He then gently reminded me to find some humor or play in the situation.
Despite my best efforts, it wasn't there, but lo and behold, the Sunday New York Times was. In an insert from last Sunday's paper on home furnishings, (think couches, fixtures, kitchens, bathrooms, etc,), you could find the absolute newest designs and that was when I stumbled across a full page ad for the Numi™.
Listen to some of its features:
· Opens and closes automatically
· Self-Cleaning Wand
· Warming Feet
· Ambient Lighting
· Integral Speakers
· Personalized Settings
· Male Sensor (????????)
· Touch-Screen Remote
I laughed for half an hour, but despite my laughter, I want one!!!!!
My guess would be that at any given point in time you can feel slightly downtrodden or defeated. Life is not always as we planned. Life can present some interesting moments.
One of the wonderful gifts of play is Imagination and Dreaming. When we allow ourselves to imagine something else, something wonderful, there is a sense of lightness, airiness and maybe even a little peace. When we dream we create possibilities for ourselves.
Taking imagination one step further to movement, actually doing something about what we have imagined is the ultimate gift of play.
I am sure many of you have seen these men and what their imagination did for them. Where will your dreams take you?
This wonderful book, available at amazon.com on June 1st, will challenge you to transform your workplace and your life. The nine stories in this book will remind you about a powerful way we can change the world, ourselves and the lives of others.
Meanwhile........
Remember to put the energy back in your workplace with a wonderful program like "Learning to Play More to Keep From Turning to Crispy Burnt Toast" or "Stop Going Bananas - No More Pie in the Face!" or "Play to Profits - A Business Secret Revealed"
Every week or so people anxiously await a paycheck so they can pay their bills, buy things they need and possibly have some fun with the money from that check.
There is sort of a secret thrill in knowing that you have money in the bank, your checks won't bounce and filling your cart at the store.
Here's an interesting question; Have you ever deposited a "play check?" A play check is when you consciously create a time, place and activity that makes your heart sing into your week.
For some this past weekend may have included watching the Master's. For others it may have included riding dirt bikes or going hiking. Then there are things like concerts, theater, good movies, or performances that you really enjoy.
As a society we have not taken the concept of a "play check" seriously enough, except on vacations. Then we give ourselves days of reading good books, napping and other enjoyments.
Since one of the key concepts in Play is the pause and another is activity, activity that brings pleasure and enjoyment, check this out. How many times today will you pause and do something that really makes your heart sing? How many times will you allow those around you to do the same?
"Play checks" are deposits in the spirit of life. The are deposits in the bank of rejuvenation. Rejuvenation from bad news, urgent matters, long meetings, fiscal worries and more.
Without "play checks" your days can seem long, tiring and without the joy of work you really do enjoy.
Give yourself a "play check" today in 5 seconds. Here is how:
Stand up every hour and just stretch your arms and legs
Wiggle around a little while you are up
Write one thank you email to someone you work with or a family member
Tell one person about one fun things you did this past weekend
Think of your favorite vacation spot for the full 5 seconds, picture yourself there
Drink something healthful AND tasty (Grape juice?)
Your ideas?..............
Put "Play checks" in the bank of you every day. Be sure one or two days a week you make big deposits that you can draw upon when life is tougher. Fill your cart of life with good stuff that will nourish you when challenges are in your path.
Give yourself "Play Checks!"
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March 2011
Banana Bites
Play with Clichés
As you all know from reading Banana Bites, I am a fan of Good Clean Funny Laughs, (www.gcfl.net). Not only do the jokes make me laugh but quite often they make me think as well. This past week they featured children's versions of clichés that you and I are familiar with. Here are some samples;
"The grass is always greener when you leave the sprinkler on."
"A rolling stone plays the guitar."
"A bird in the hand is a real mess."
What struck me in the responses, and there were many more, was how literal the children were. What if we were that literal about the things in and around our lives?
For example, there is an old expression that says, "If you want to make God laugh, make plans." A business version of this might be, "If you want to make God laugh, pray for success, but don't do the work."
What would be your business version of "A rolling stone..........."?
How about "The grass is always greener..........."?
Here are some of my ideas for those and more:
A rolling stone never knows what is really going on.
The grass is always greener under your feet than you think.
A bird in hand is a wonderful thing, serve it well.
Now it's your turn:
No news_____________________________
It is always darkest before _________________________________________
It is better to light one candle____________________________________________
Spend the next week redoing clichés around you. Play with them! Do some for your work, around your exercise program, your kids, and even your ability to play. Post the good ones to inspire you. Have a contest in your office for the best one. Enjoy.
March 2011
Banana Bites
Playful - Two Versions
Let Them Play Their Way - You Play Yours
I have two golden retrievers, George and Molly.They are as different as night and day.
George is an overly inbred golden who ended up very tall, skinny and blond haired. He acts like Tigger; racing to the door, jumping in the air when it's dinner time and generally in constant motion unless he is sound asleep upside down on his back.
Molly on the other hand is the typical red haired, full bodied golden. She walks, versus running when it is time to go outside, or cross a room. She refuses to race to dinner and often will sit off for a while watching her brother scarf down his food and then leisurely wander over and nosh on her dinner, taking her time.
George and Molly are good reminders of the differences in behaviors we will see with ourselves and others when it is time to do something fun. They are both very playful.
Despite Molly's more laid back disposition she can be in your lap in a heartbeat to get petted and give out doggie kisses. ("Yuck," as Lucy from Charlie Brown would say).
When it's time for a walk her curiosity has her pulling on the leash or racing off to check out a fox hole. George on the other hand will often come back and leisurely walk by your side. They almost reverse roles, as people can too.
Play is unique to each person and allowing people to play in their various ways is a gift that can be very important. When you gather friends, or organize work events, know that some things are more for one group than another. Know that while you might really be excited about the upcoming Polka party, others might prefer a good book. Allowing play to be unique, different, and individual is great gift you can give yourself, your friends and your colleagues. Create choices for play. Let yourself do things you love, even if others don't come along. You won't be the first person to buy only one ticket for the Monster Truck Rally.
February 2011
Banana Bites
Allow Me! It's a Playful Thing!
"I long to accomplish a great and noble
task, but it is my chief duty to
accomplish small tasks as if
they were great and noble."
Helen Keller
When someone reaches for the door in front of you and holds the door open, you often hear, "Allow me." It's a very little thing they are doing but it makes a world of difference because your arms are loaded with packages.
Recently I observed a team meeting full of action and insights. When it came time to ask for volunteers to work on different aspects of what was being discussed, the leader was met with stony silence.
You can relate right? You have plenty to do, you are way behind, and all you need is more on your plate.
Yet eventually all the work that needed to be done was assigned, Without threats and with volunteers.
How did that happen? Simple. Someone said, "Allow me, I'll take this little piece." Eventually, the people in the group sensed that everyone was crazy busy and one by one they took little bitty, teeny weenie pieces. When each person had a few small things they added up to the all that needed to be done.
Here's a challenge. I'd like you to think of "Allow Me" as a new way to check-in on what is happening around you. Where are you so tired that you don't feel you have anything left to give? This could be in lots of places, work, family, community, school, health, exercise and more.
You see the problem is that we think that what we have to do has to be big. THINK SMALL.
Start at home? (Okay, I vacuumed one room, it's a start!)
Exercise, try the stairs, once today, twice tomorrow and work up to ten times.
Next your work. Instead of everything that has to be done find three very small, yet impactful things for tomorrow. "Allow" yourself to keep it simple, like opening a door.
Use the "Allow Me" concept to drive your day. Small bites, big results.
January 2011
Banana Bites
The "L" in Play Stands for "Letting Go"
By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, the world is beyond the winning.
-- Lao Tzu
Recently I was at a small airport in Binghamton, New York trying to return to my home in the city of Denver, Colorado
As I checked in I was informed my first flight was delayed which would cause me to miss my connection in Detroit.
The poor agent worked his fingers to the bone to try and get me another flight. The new flight however, required a side trip from Detroit to Atlanta and then to Denver.
All around me there was angst and anxiety as people fussed and fumed as they heard the bad news for their flights.
As I walked away from the counter and into the sandwich shop I thought about how anxiety and fear, even others anxiety and fear, creates a ripple affect. My next thought was "What if I LET GO of all that anxious and fearful energy around me?"
Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.
-- Author Unknown
Two seconds after I did that they announced the incoming flight had made up some time and we would be arriving only twenty minutes later.
I went back to the counter, and rebooked to my original flight and proceeded home on time.
What would improve or get right if you just let it go?
The harder you fight to hold on to specific assumptions, the more likely there's gold in letting go of them.
-- John Seely Brown
What can Emotional Intelligence tell you about what you need to Let go? Contact Barbara about an EQ Assessment and Coaching.
Need to remind people to playmore? Check out the new playmore tee shirts here...
Happy Holidays from Playmore
Have A Playful Christmas
The best thing you can give someone this season is a beautiful surprise, play time with you.
A visit, a phone call, a snow fort, or small favor.
Your time with others is a valued gift. Think about an afternoon of your time to sled with your children, shop or lunch with a good friend, bake cookies with your Mom, take Dad to a game or your teenagers to the movies, ice skate, go tubing, or visit someone who is lonely.
Enjoy the surprise in this video and Merry Christmas from all of us at Playmore, Barbara, Christian, Michael and Patrick!
"All things come to those who wait."
- Unknown
I believe the word play is really an acronym. See if you agree:
P = Pause
L = Lighten Up
A = Act, Allow, Appreciate and
Y = Be the Authentic YOU
When I talk about this with audiences people wonder about the "Pause."
In this hurried, rush-rush world there barely seems time to pause. Why do I believe it is so important?
The pause is rich with clear thinking, relaxation and a great time to observe yourself. It is a time not to be seeking the next thing to be done, but to hear what you really want and need.
It is a time to control your impulses to say or do something you might regret later. You will get a kick out of these adults trying to "pause" when temptation is right in front of them. Enjoy!
The Mature Marshmallow Test
Do you need to Pause? Does your team need a Pause? Call me to find out some fun "pauses" we can bring either to you personally or your team. 303-984-9271 or email Barbara@barbarabrannen.com
"The world is full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be happy as kings." Robert Louis Stevenson
"Happy, when was the last time you felt truly happy? Happiness has been defined,described, scripted, and much more to the point that people have forgotten what it really means to them.
Why be happy? In determining the Emotional Intelligence* of employees, managers and leaders, every factor in this assessment is influenced by the individuals happiness, at thattime. Think of the implications of this for yourself. Your ability to be productive, successful and do the things you hope to do is directly affected by your happiness.
For fun today, check out a few things that will tell you more about your current happiness and how to get happier, should you need to do so.
1. Can you name very quickly the five things in life you are the most grateful for?
2. Can you look at a serious or bad situation in or around you at the moment and clearly see that it is not the be all and end all?
3. Are you able to think of a wonderful time in your life, on the spot, and bring a smile to your face?
4. Is there a rhythm in your life of things that make you happy, that you allow yourself to do?
5. Are you in congruence, meaning are you speeding up the things that work well for you while leaving behind the things that do not work well for you?
Check this list often to put happiness back in your life."
"Treat Your Employees to Some of the Secrets of Happiness"
"Stop Going Bananas - The Secrets of People Working Together"- Based on the book, "Office Peace" this takes a "sore" subject and turns it on its head to help people understand that a few simple things can make the workplace a great place, without politics, feuds or any of the other interaction issues that crop up. As always, a fun, spirited looks at the workplace.
Who will enjoy this?
Organizations with employees at odds
Employees with a highly diverse work force
Organizations with departments at odds
Trends this addresses/Outcomes - Like "The Office" people get along less and less in the workplace rather than finding ways to work together. This gives the reasons and rewards for finding that common ground.
Work+Fun=Profits and Progress
What would it take to get you and all the people in your company to say "I'm so excited to get to work today!"
Excitement is something most people associate with a fun trip, vacation, adventure, party or new experience. Work is traditionally none of these. How can you change that? Take these three steps to start to make your workplace something people can look forward to:
Create a start of day "experience" people will look forward to and enjoy. Here are a few Ideas:
A) Have music at the entrance of your company's office for arrivals. Change it daily and keep it upbeat.
B) Post a motivational quote to pop-up as computers are powered up or in lieu of computers, post something at the workplace entrance.
C) Do a "Perk Me Up" event- Schedule a one hour all hands meeting titled- "Play and Profit." - In this session your group will learn four great ways to reduce the stress, "perk-up", and bring more innovation, collaboration and creativity to the workday. Call 303-984-9271 to schedule this now! (See valuable coupon for July/August below)
P.S. "Knowing how to play, the right way, is important, as people have a strong need to "let it all out," even in the workplace. To prove my point, when you don't get it right you might see this instead.............Click Below
Don't you think that living and working in these times is like living inside a washing machine? First you get soaked, then they drain you, spin you around, soak you again, spin you some more and in the end you are clean, but very soggy.
Our spirits at work can become this way unless we make a move to be sure that we aren't getting soaked, spun around and drained.
One sure way to do that is to break the rhythm of the day. Try this little exercise to the video attached. If you can't master the moves, just hum or sing along.
Pat your head and rub your belly to the music.
If you are really talented follow the dog's steps.
Plato said it best, "You can learn more about a person in one hour of play than a year of conversation."
Watch this great National Geographic video with the following three questions in mind..
1. Who do I share my "stuff" with at work and at home?
2. Who do I play with this freely?
3. How am I a better person because of these things?
Click here to see "Who are the Hound Dogs In Your Life?"
Spring Has Sprung Have You?
This Is the time of year to come out of your cocoon and pump some energy into your life, your work, and your career.
Here is how:
1. Start spending a minimum of one hour outside every day.
Go Play! Fly a Kite, Jump in Puddles, Do Yoga on your Deck, Watch Birds, Take a Walk, Bike Ride, Kayak. It doesn't matter what you do just make sure it is outside.
2. Do a Tune Up.
Like Ferris Bueller take a day to Twist and Shout!
3. Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~ Robin Williams
Now might be the time to interject some fun into the lives of your staff, friends and family.
Pull out your copy of "Office Peace" and try the Banana Book exercise that is talked about in here for one week.
See how much good stuff you can find out about those around you.
Give this book as a graduation gift. It is a great foundation for a career that is about to begin. Click Here.
Happiness
Would you like to be just a little bit happier than you are right now? Has too much bad news, work, financial or health woes got you down?
While there are pockets and places of happiness, you may even be one of them, too many people are not as happy as they would like to be.
In the Great Depression of the 1930's Mickey Mouse was just coming into the world. He brought 3 things with him that we need to be happy and here is what they were:
#1 - A sense of adventure
#2 - A simple, unsophisticated outlook on life
#3 - Absolute loyalty to those he loved
Bring these 3 things back into your life and the lives of others and be happy again.
What in your world needs the "fun theory" to get you or your people to do the better thing?
Volkswagen has instituted a fabulous new challenge to all of us via their website www.thefuntheory.com. As you look at this youtube video (the piano keys), you will note that all it took to get people walking up the stairs was a little fun.
Now here is the challenge, take one thing in your world that needs you or someone to do the better thing and make it fun. Here are some ideas to get you started;
1. For yourself or your team meeting a project timeline or quota for January -
A wall chart with 31 boxes for January that are colored in each day you have made some progress or have a silly sticker that goes in the box.
Set up three flip chart size pieces of paper side by side on a wall with one being red on the left, one being yellow in the middle and one being green at the right. Make post'um note horses and have a horse race to the end of the month from red to green.
A jar that gets one penny for each hour you or they work on this. At the end of the month donate a dollar equivalent to charity or some other fun use of the money.
Large neon footprints that lead around your office for each step you get done in the project
-Your ideas.....................
2. Get someone to call you back
Tell part of a joke in your message and have them call back to get the punch line
Give them a clue in a scavenger hunt and have them call back to get the next clue
Make them laugh in your message
Share part of a good story and have them call back for the ending
Your ideas .........................
3. Lose Weight
Put a laughing mat at the entrance to your kitchen
Buy a gallon jug to carry water around with you
Place a bet with a good friend
Your ideas......
Just Shoot!
In this Fall season of hunting for animals, the on-going economic season of hunting for money and our personal season of hunting to do more and better, there is a great joke that tells it all.........
Best Marksman
One of the best marksmen in the FBI was passing through a
small town. Everywhere he saw evidence of the most amazing shooting. On trees, on walls, and on fences there were numerous bull's-eyes with the bullet hole in dead center.
The FBI man asked one of the townsmen if he could meet the person responsible for this wonderful marksmanship. The man
turned out to be the village idiot. "This is the best marksmanship I have ever seen," said the
FBI man. "How in the world do you do it?"
"Nothing to it," said the idiot. "I shoot first and draw the circles afterward."
This is reminding us that it is important to just get out there and do it, fill in the circles later and make everything a success for you. Trying to increase your morale or that of your friends; start with a smile, give someone a piece of candy or put lively music in your workspace. Take someone, anyone, to lunch and treat! Make a call you have been putting off or clean out the garage. DO SOMETHING, draw the circles around why that was a success for you later.
