It is with cautious optimism that we begin to watch the world reopen. However, I’m considerate that the term “reopening” has a wide breadth of realities right now, unique to your circumstance and preferences. And I’m empathetic that many of us are still in the middle of significant pandemic disruption. As such, we’ll hold off any communal celebration until next quarter.
Whether the pandemic is still impacting you or you are now exploring your recent reenabled freedom, I hope you benefit from one of the most important tenets I’ve learned about disruption: times of disruption create the most fertile ground to make positive change. In the U.S., we are witnessing people take advantage of this fact at a massive scale, from millions of workers finding better employment opportunities (more fun through better use of time) to enlightened hedonism (more fun through better use of money).
To benefit from this time-bound opportunity yourself—as you emerge from the pandemic and begin to piece things back together—broadly, yet conscientiously, ask yourself these two questions:
- How might I do more of the things that I find fun and enjoyable going forward?
- (Equally as important) How might I do less of the things I find unenjoyable going forward?
Being mindful of these two questions over the coming months will ensure you don’t simply return to some form of your old normal, but hopefully reemerge from the pandemic having a lot more fun!
Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher, New York Times bestselling author, and TEDx speaker. Dr. Eurich’s talks have been viewed more than seven million times. Globally recognized as the top self-awareness coach and organizational culture expert. Her clients include Google, the NBA, IBM, and the White House Leadership Development Program. Eurich has written two books, Insight and Bankable Leadership. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and The Wall Street Journal. The interview with Dr. Tasha Eurich about achieving personal insight can be read here.
Todd Kashdan is a psychologist, well-being researcher, and TEDx speaker. He leads the Well-Being Laboratory at George Mason University and conducts research on happiness, curiosity, mental agility, and resilience. He is also an award-winning author who has published hundreds of articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as penning several books including, Curious? Dr. Kashdan has been featured in popular press such as The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, New York Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, and Fast Company. The interview with Dr. Todd Kashdan about the power of exploring curiosity can be read here.
As soon as I got vaccinated, I personally celebrated the world reopening by breaking loose. I stayed on a houseboat for the first time (at Lake Shasta), and celebrated my birthday with a bunch of close friends at Parklab Gardens in San Francisco. But the best part of this quarter’s life experience was seeing the smiles on my parents’ and in-laws’ faces after getting to visit with their grandkids for the first time in two years. That was the most fun.
Staying true to my word from last quarter, my contributions this quarter were inspired by reader responses, which included donations to both the YMCA and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Yesterday was the five-year anniversary of my brother’s passing. I cannot believe that much time has passed now. I recently wrote an article for Spirituality & Health, 5 Misconceptions About Happiness That are Hurting Us, in part with the hope that it might help anyone that’s struggling to find happiness during a tough period—whether experiencing loss, surviving a pandemic, or otherwise. So if that happens to be something you need right now, please check it out.
Yours in fun,
Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
