TJIF: Rethinking Levity - From Flow State to Intentional Action

This week, I’ve been contemplating the role of levity in my life and work. For me, there are two sides to the concept of levity: one being a state of levity, an overall mindset or feeling of lightness, humor, or ease; and the other being the use of levity, a deliberate action to introduce lightness or humor into a specific situation—usually one filled with pressure or tension.

Throughout my life and early career, I’ve received feedback that I can seem quite intense, especially in first meetings or interviews. I’ve worked hard to change this perception by being a lighter version of myself both personally and professionally. On this mission to achieve a state of levity, I even incorporated levity as one of my core values in my vision planning work.

This week, I had a major revelation: I am not naturally light by nature. I spend a lot of time in my own world, reflecting and exploring the depths of my mental, spiritual, and physical spaces. Add to that being an introvert and existing on the OCD spectrum, and it becomes clear why consistently achieving levity can be challenging—and why forcing it often feels counterproductive.

As part of this realization, I’ve come to embrace the idea that I prefer using levity as a deliberate tool—breaking tension, lightening the mood, or simply creating moments for a good laugh. Here are five ways I find levity to be an effective tool in professional environments:

1. Changing the Level: When conversations stall or meetings feel stagnant, a moment of levity can re-energize the group. Whether it’s a well-timed joke or a lighthearted comment, it gives people a chance to breathe, smile, or even laugh out loud. Done skillfully, levity can shift the tone of a discussion and help propel it forward—but timing is everything.
2. Releasing the Pressure: In high-pressure environments, like new business pitches, tension can feel overwhelming—especially with senior stakeholders evaluating every move. Levity is a great way to release some of that pressure. A touch of self-deprecating humor can work well here, though it’s important to strike the right balance and not overdo it.
3. Breaking the Ice: Levity works wonders in new teams or unfamiliar geographies, where initial meetings can feel awkward. Lighthearted icebreakers, such as personal questions pulled from a list of common security questions, often help people feel more at ease. These simple moments of connection build trust across cultures and personalities.
4. Dismantling the Hierarchy: Levity can bridge gaps in hierarchical structures by creating common ground. I often use humor to show my team that I don’t take myself too seriously, making myself more approachable. This usually leads to deeper, more open dialogue over time.
5. Selling Through an Idea: I learned from creative teams that getting stakeholders excited about a new idea often starts with making the room feel lighter. When people are smiling, even complex ideas resonate more. Levity makes ideas more accessible and helps build buy-in.

For years, I fought against the perception of being “intense,” but I’m now looking at levity differently. Using levity as a tool, rather than forcing myself into a state of it, aligns better with my nature. It allows me to maintain my depth while still connecting with others in a meaningful way.

So, I leave you with this question: Are you using levity as a tool, or are you trying to maintain a flow state of it?

Have a great weekend!