Why the "Fun Factor" is Important in your Professional and Personal Life

I recently bumped into some old colleagues, Steve Olsen and Robin Doenicke who are the Founders over at Zensho Agency Inc. at a newly opened Tokyo Ale Works in Yurakucho.

For anyone who likes a good pint of craft beer (craft gin too), and decent food in a central location, Tokyo Ale Works is the place to go. Great service and lively vibe and if you go there with friends or alone, you'll have a good time.

But the point of this story is focused on having fun in what you do. It was great to catch up with Steve and Robin to talk frankly about work and the market and when I started to talk to Steve about the challenge in the markets these days and mentioned that while it is always challenging, I still love what I do.

He said "Yeah, if it isn't fun anymore, you shouldn't be doing it" and that should apply to anyone whether you're a business owner, executive or front line employee.

If you're a business owner, self-employed or independent, it means not working with clients or on projects that don't inspire you or give you a sense of purpose. And for employees, it means, either finding a way to make the job fun again or finding another place to enjoy what you do.

While culture is important at a company, having fun at what you do is more important. If the work doesn't challenge you (in a good way) or the people inspire you to do it, you should really re-evaluate what is missing and either find a way to get it back or just cut the rope and look for something new (probably in the reverse order to be safe).

For anyone stuck in their personal life, I can't really help you much there except say, the world is a big place and there is always something out there fun to do to get your mojo back. Just make time for yourself and do it.

For anyone stuck in their professional career, I can probably offer some more insight and resources. These were collected from various sources on the internet as well as my own personal advice. There is no secret recipe and you need to try a mix of things to get yourself back on track. But whatever feels right, you should stick to it. Here are some ideas that might help:

1. Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your career journey. Consider what initially sparked your interest in your field and the goals you set for yourself. Reconnecting with your original passion can help reignite your motivation.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define both short-term and long-term career goals. Having a clear direction will give you a sense of purpose and a reason to stay motivated. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (using the SMART method).
3. Find Your Why: Identify your "why" – the deeper reason behind your career choices. Knowing why you you want to do something can provide a strong motivational boost during challenging times. It can be your passion, desire to make a difference, or personal growth.
4. Skill Development: Invest in continuous learning and skill development. Acquiring new knowledge and improving your skills can lead to increased confidence and motivation, as well as open up new opportunities within your career.
5. Network and Connect: Engage with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Building a strong professional network can offer support, guidance, and fresh perspectives, helping you see your career in a new light and reignite your passion.
6. Seek Challenges: Volunteer for projects or tasks that push your boundaries and challenge you. Overcoming obstacles and achieving success in these endeavors can boost your self-esteem and motivation.
7. Stay Positive: Avoid negativity from people, thoughts, or actions that might hinder your plans. Keep your attention on the positive aspects of your goals, and although it can be challenging to overlook the negative, remind yourself that a single positive occurrence can outweigh all the negativity.
8. Celebrate Achievements: Praise yourself on doing great work. Don't wait for someone to tell you what a great job you did, reward yourself first regardless of how big or small the achievement.
9. Embrace Change: Be open to change and embrace new opportunities. Sometimes, trying something different or exploring a new path can rekindle your enthusiasm and provide a fresh perspective on your career.
10. Seek Professional Support: If you find it challenging to rekindle your career motivation on your own, consider seeking the help of a career counselor or coach. They can often provide guidance, strategies, and support tailored to your specific needs.

And like Steve said, "If it isn't fun anymore, you shouldn't be doing it". If you you can at least remember that, it is a good start.

For more resources and insight on how to put some fun back in your career, reach out to Gary Bremermann who runs Happy Mondays and the Career Kaizen Course that can provide a concrete method for getting your career back on track.

Stay tuned for more career insight in our bi-weekly newsletter from Motionworks Careers