?? ?? ?? When Did We Stop Having Fun? A Call for Creativity in Leadership ?? ?? ??
Jim Bishop
I help mid-life executives do more leading and less reacting as they create more good in the world.
As October draws to a close, the season of fun, fall, and Halloween festivities is upon us. Yet, truth be told, I’ve never been much of a Halloween enthusiast. However, something unexpected caught my attention last week at the gym: trainers and staff dressed as characters from The Lord of the Rings. In a glance, I spotted Gollum, Gandalf, and Frodo—and it got me thinking.??
When did we, as adults, lose our sense of play? When did we stop embracing creativity???
Watching my kids, I notice this transition happening within my own family. My 12-year-old is still deep in his closet and old toy bins, crafting the perfect costume. Meanwhile, my 16-year-old barely blinks at the idea, and if he makes it out tonight, it will be with a plastic bag to chaperone his younger siblings.??
Somewhere along the way, we let our sense of creativity, wonder, and play fall by the wayside. ??
But here’s the thing—Halloween reminds us that we can let our guard down and be a little playful. Why limit it to just one day? While we may not don costumes daily, we can certainly set aside some of our seriousness, cultivate moments of creativity, and find joy in the unexpected.??
Integrating this sense of wonder into our personal and professional lives can foster more engaging, innovative environments—whether in a boardroom or at home. It can be a simple gesture, a fresh approach to a challenge, or even a playful mindset that makes our leadership more vibrant and our relationships more meaningful.?
This week, I invite you to find moments to embrace creativity, rediscover playfulness, and see how it can positively impact all aspects of your life. Together, let’s lead strong and build better humans. The best is yet to come!????
If you’re feeling like your sense of play has faded and aren’t sure where to start, pre-order my new book, The Adventure Within: Why Successful Professionals Still Feel Stuck and How to Purposefully Rekindle Your Craving for Adventure . It’s packed with insights and practical steps to help you rediscover joy in life and leadership.??