The Power of Fun

November 6, 2009

I believe in the power of fun. Fun is the greatest motivator because it doesn’t feel like a motivator at all. This is why I have said for years that while it may be important for your health to include regular work-outs, it is even more important to your whole life to include fun-outs. Fun-outs are physical activities that you do that are 100% fun, like playing Frisbee, bowling, line-dancing, orienteering, playing with your kids, or pets. Unlike work-outs you do not have to make yourself do them. It should feel the same way you felt about play as a kid. No one had to make you play. Not only are fun-outs good for your physical health, they are good for your mental and spiritual health. Participating in them can help protect your immune system as well, because you are happier, active and laughing. Fun-outs do not have to be as physically high-powered as work-outs, as long as they get you off of the couch, out and about.

Don’t think that making things fun is only a good idea for your exercise regime. You can make nearly anything more interesting by adding a little fun. Like a meeting that starts with someone telling a joke. I knew a CEO that rotated a jokemaster role at the start of every staff meeting in order to start the meeting on a positive note and help all of his people with their public speaking. I use to have a Popeye punching bag outside my office as a fun stress reliever. People loved it! Perhaps a little too much, as he sprung a leak after taking too many hits. The point is, figure out how to make something fun and it will be good for everyone.

See this You tube presentation from Stockholm, of how a brilliant, fun design scheme helped people get healthier without them even knowing it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw&feature=player_embedded