“Now this relaxation of the mind from work consists on playful words or deeds. Therefore it becomes a wise and virtuous man to have recourse to such things at times.” – Thomas Aquinas
Where we focus our finite time, attention and capacity defines the quality and depth of our days. The actions of experimenting and exploring help us discover what is most important to us. Our core values should drive how and what we spend our time on to make our days meaningful and fulfilling.
“Doing more with less” is empty mantra that corporate America has been serving up for decades, which accounts for the 34% employee engagement rate as measured by Gallup. While the numbers have improved, 53% are in the “not engaged” category. The sheer volume of what’s expected will not be solved with more technology or multi-tasking schemes. How about “doing less with more” and creating lasting value?
Engagement in an activity, whether it be work, a side gig or a hobby that requires passion and commitment which compels us to put effort into the activity.
One important way to re-engage and rediscover your passion is play. In “Adults need recess too. Here’s why you need time to play”, Tolu Ajiboye describes how playing games, exercising, hobbies and laughter facilitate creativity and problem-solving skills as well improve our cognitive health and happiness.
“Clinical psychologist and chief of the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital, Dr. Rudy Nydegger, says there are two basic tenets of play. ‘First, it is something that we do for recreation that is purely for enjoyment and/or entertainment — it is something we do just for fun," he says. "Second, it is something that is intrinsically motivating. In other words it is something that we want to do and is not something we need to be coerced or 'bribed' into doing. It is voluntary; we do it just because we want to.’”
Integrating play into our days not only makes life more fun and each us more fun to be around, it can improve the outcomes of our efforts and relationships. Don’t wait for vacation to get more play time in. Commit to it every day.
Do less and play more. Recess has begun, let the games begin.