The FUN secret to going 10x in your business...
Dr Jo Cresswell - Research and Innovation Consultant
Innovation Catalyst | Transforming Ideas into Market-Ready Value Propositions | Driving Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement & Growth | Building Innovation Culture & Leadership | Unlocking Ecosystem Competitive Advantage
Ok, so you’ve faced your fears, and got fanatical and focussed on your goals… congratulations.
But I want to catch you before you leap straight back into working 25 hours a day in your business to reach your targets as quickly as possible… Because to truly create a 10x mindset, and level up your success, you’re going to need to design FUN and FULFILMENT into your business and your life!
Why?
Well partly because it’s FUN, so why wouldn't you.? But mostly because it’s going to massively boost your creativity, motivation, wellbeing, productivity, and relationships.
Yet, as you probably know for yourself, FUN is something that so many entrepreneurs find incredibly difficult to make time for.
So jump on board and be prepared to challenge all your assumptions about work and your business!
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So why is it so hard to make time for fun?
Do you remember when starting your business was thrilling and exciting? When you were fuelled by passion and possibility? You leapt at the chance to create something new. It felt like there were opportunities and growth around every corner.
But without realising it, somewhere along the way you lost that sparkle. You got caught up in the daily grind of your business, and what felt like a great adventure morphed into something altogether more stressful and overwhelming. In short, it didn't feel like FUN any more, and your energy and joy drained away.
If this is you, I empathise, I really do. This is a trap I've fallen into more than once in my own business.
I love this cartoon because a) I’m a big fan of Calvin and Hobbes, and b) it’s a great illustration of how we as adults can regard fun. Apparently, it’s not fun unless you measure it, or unless it’s hard work!
So it's not surprising that somewhere along the line you may have picked up on the idea that fun is frivolous, a waste of time – especially when you’re overwhelmed. I mean, if you’re not working every minute of every day, then those old beliefs are going creep in - telling you that you’re not going to make money in your business.
Which means that, sadly, fun becomes a nice to have – something to aim for when you’re less busy.
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It doesn't have to be that way…
Here's the great thing - FUN is actually GREAT for your business!
As a human being, you’re going to do your most creative work when you’re having fun, and playfulness is key for happiness and meaning. Even better, laughter and play activate higher-level thinking, innovation, and connection, and joy is like a mental reset button, boosting your motivation and clarity.
And that’s before we get to the powerful benefits of meaningful and fun connections with the people around you. I mean, think back to your happiest memories – chances are you were having fun with other people.
If you’re not yet convinced, just think about what happens when you DON’T have fun and fulfilment in your life. You have a far greater risk of burnout, anxiety and depression. You feel like you’re on a treadmill, and it feels impossible to connect with your purpose, motivation, and values.
So fun is a complete WIN-WIN!
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It’s time to get serious about fun!
Right, I really hope I’ve convinced you that fun is something that you REALLY want more of – and that it’s going to give you a massive boost to your business.
So how can you break free of the stress and the routines that are draining you of energy, inspiration and motivation?
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It all begins with setting a powerful INTENTION – treat fun as seriously as your other goals. Tell other people that you’re setting yourself a goal to have more fun – you never know, they might want to join in…
And then follow these 7 steps to create more FUN and FULFILMENT
Step 1: Mind Your ‘BUT’
When you think about having fun, is your BUT getting in your way? As in, “I’d love to go and have fun BUT I have too much work, I’m too overwhelmed, I don’t have time, it’s wasting time…”. Pay attention to al the times you tell yourself I CAN’T, I HAVE to, I MUST, I NEED to… then flip your language to I GET to, or I WANT to and see the doors to opportunity opening up to you.
Step 2: Plug the Drains
Take a long, hard, and honest look at your business and schedule. What is draining your time and energy, leaving you without the time or energy for fun and fulfilment? Social media and busywork? Other people’s priorities? Put in some boundaries, say no to the things that you don’t need to be doing, and feel the energy returning!
Step 3: Clear the Decks
Examine how you spend your time. What meetings and tasks could be dropped or handed over to somebody else? How efficiently are you using your calendar, or harnessing your energy? Maximise your efficiency, create some clear blue water in your schedule, then book fun time with yourself. Oh and make that time sacrosanct…
Step 4: Make Fun a Habit
Fun starts with your mindset, so figure out how you can hack your subconscious to allow in more fun. Start small - take brief, daily ‘fun’ breaks – taking time out with the kids, playing with the pets, getting out into nature, reading something that lights you up. Over time, integrate fun more fully. Choose activities YOU enjoy, not just what others expect. Celebrate fun achievements!
Step 5: Embrace Joy
Joy creates profound mind/body benefits. Laughter forges social bonds. Smiling triggers happiness. Fun boosts creativity, relieves stress, and motivates you. So carve out time for the people and activities that bring you true joy, laughter, and lightness.
Step 6: Try the Fun Lottery
Write fun activities on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Commit to pulling one slip per week and doing that activity. Include old favourites AND new things you’ve been wanting to try. This pushes you to add variety and adventure, and it’s a great way to engage friends and family and get them into the fun spirit too.
Step 7: Play Together
The most powerful moments often involve deep social connections. Make regular time for fun time with people whose company you enjoy. Shared laughter, adventure, and conversation will create far more fun and fulfilment.
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The simple (and FUN) truth...
You’re going to do your best work when you’re having fun. Fun and joy will inspire your highest thinking and creativity.
So let go of the seriousness… and embrace laughter, fun, and joy, and watch your 10x mindset expand out of your brain and into your business.
You’re going to be more relaxed and more fulfilled. You’re going to bring a whole new level of energy to your clients. People will be drawn to you and they’re definitely going to want what you’ve got.
Get intentional, surround yourself with people who inspire joy. Release the pressure to be perfect and give yourself permission to get out there and have fun.
Go on. I DARE you...!
#Wellbeing #TimeFreedom #BusinessCoaching
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CEO & Founder @ High-Performance Executive Coaching | Certified Executive Coach, How To Retain Top Talent Now!
1 年This is great advice especially plug the drains
Achieve your goals and transform your life from the inside→out. Q?????? ??????? ????? ??? ???????-?????? ????????????? ??? ?x???????? | Founder, Soul Mechanics Healing | See my 5-star testimonials.
1 年It's a good thing that you are teaching it Dr Jo Cresswell - The DARING Entrepreneur! ??
CEO and Co-Founder at Optevo
1 年We have been conditioned to think that play, or fun, is frivolous. And we're often so busy that we reinforce that idea to ourselves. Great post Dr Jo Cresswell - The DARING Entrepreneur - I think if we followed your advice, there'd be a lot less burnout!
Health And Wellness Coach/Entrepreneur
1 年We always need fun in our lives ?? Dr Jo Cresswell - The DARING Entrepreneur