We typically spend less than 20% of our time doing what we like or even doing some work that is meaningful and enjoyable. At the same time we spend over 50% of our time doing work that is boring, meaningless and unsatisfying.
So, when I tell people that I turned this around and do exactly the opposite, most of them look at me with a puzzled face. They either don’t get it or don’t believe me. Luckily some do and these are the ones that are open to change and improvement.
Having said that, I came to the conclusion that most people are really stuck in their everyday situation. The sad part is that they know all this. So do you, right? Why are you stuck? Why are you settling for it. Why are you doing the stuff you are doing?
I want you to have a life full of dreams, possibilities and meaning! You deserve it! And sure, it might not be the easy way, but at least you’ll have a life… It takes clarity, focus and commitment to build it and to enjoy it.
Most people don’t know how to step out of their every day life. They don’t know (it anymore) what it is to really enjoy. Or to really play and have fun. So, one of the first steps in setting yourself free and stepping outside of your current framework is to Just Play!
By just playing, you start to rediscover the joy of fun, laughter and good times. Start with playing a game you liked as a kid or invite some friends over and play any kind of game. By playing we release tension and relax more. We get into the habit of smiling and fun. Imagine what our world would look like if we all had more fun…
So, would you commit to do something of fun this weekend? Would you commit to Just Play in 2010? Even if it doesn’t set you free, at least you’ll have a great time, right? Let me know what kind of fun you love to have, we all might enjoy it…
This is definitely another perfect quote for me. GTDWF, Getting Things Done with Fun! What I really mean is that a lot of people are so focused on GTD alone that their life becomes a mechanical process. They might have a “mind like water”, but are they happy? Do they have fun? Some successful GTD-addicts don’t know what to do with their free time? How’s that possible? Why did they start applying GTD in the first place?
So, as a Creator, I know that I always want to improve things. I am great at starting new things and new projects. And I admit, I am sometimes less of a finsiher. But, I am always looking to have fun! And the fun takes me to some extra steps, sometimes the necessary ones to finish a certain project. Here is my advice : Have fun, always!
It’s up to you to do something with it (or not). And if you’d be looking for ways to improve your life, how would you approach GTD with more fun? What action do you take?
Life is too short,
eat the chocolate first!
- Bert Verdonck -
Yes, I know, a lot people hear me saying this regularly. Time to put it on my blog as well
So, why did I come up with this quote? I enjoy life! As you probably know, my motto is “Enjoy every day!”. You must know that for most Belgians eating and drinking are very (very!) important. Most of you know that Belgium is chocolate’s heaven…And there is a strong link between having fun and eating chocolate, right
Now, why would I share this with you? Well, every day can be our last one and I see too many people waiting too long before they have fun. They work too hard and keep postponing the fun part for another day or they will benefit from it, once they retire. They tend to forget that some never reach retirement. So, why are we so seriously all the time? Why don’t we play anymore and have fun like when we were kids… How enthusiastic were we with the smallest things in life? Did you forget that too? Well, I don’t and I insist on having more fun too!
On the 31st of December, I had a great conversation with a friend and fellow coach, who needed some clarity on his bigger purpose in life. I asked him : “Why are you here?” He told me all he wants to do, is play! Playing and having fun are his biggest drivers. He is so enthusiastic about playing that I am convinced he could inspire a lot of people to play more! So, one of his intentions for 2009 is…play more!
At the beginning of this new year, I think it is important to reflect on our lives again and look forward. Time to create a new set of wishes! And let’s be careful with what we wish for, because we might get it So, what are your wishes?
Anyway, I’ll be an example and start by having fun today (and by eating a magical piece of Belgian chocolate )!
“Live life fully while you’re here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You’re going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don’t try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.”
- Anthony Robbins -
I am a fan of Tony and this quote is one of my favourites! Some people are just too scared to do anything and end up having a mediocre life. Others just go for it and achieve everything they dream of. Why? Good question!
Most successful people start with setting goals. They take action towards their goals. They revise their goals along the way. Yes, that’s another difference : they change while enjoying their journey. Others don’t even start…So how do you expect to get to the finish without crossing the startline?:-)
Anyway, everyone has the right to make mistakes and the duty to learn from them. A lot of people only look at the negative part of their experiences and forget about the positive outcome as well!
What’s your choice? Acting normal or being weird? Having fun or weeping at home? A life worth living or worth forgetting about? Choose now and join in on the positive side of life and get a life!
Posted by bertverdonck 
