It’s almost the New Year, and my hope is that the 20s (whoa, that’s weird to say) proves to be the decade you master fun, so let me give you two ideas that will help you accomplish that. (Random thought: are my kids going to defend their preference for 20s music with the same admiration I attest that nothing beats 90s hip hop? OK, now I’m a bit freaked out. Let’s get back to fun.)
Idea one, (and also my confession to those friends that haven’t figured it out yet) as 2019 was winding to a close, my wife and I were relishing (and commiserating) about all our life experiences from the past decade. In doing so, we reflected on all the good and not-so-good outcomes that are a result of moving to North Carolina. A big one from the latter column is missing our West Coast friends and family.
We were determined to find a fun way to fix that, so we began by looking at the triggers that make your friends reach out. There are a bunch, but the clear standouts are weddings, funerals, and birth announcements. We decided that a clever ruse—opposed to a full-on prank—was more in line with our comfort zone. With that mind, as well as $10 and a Fiverr account, we landed on an outbound holiday card subtly showcasing our fictitious new addition (hint: we’re normally a party of four).
The ruse worked, and we ended up touching base and having a laugh with a lot of old friends and family in December. Friends we might not have heard from otherwise.
Idea two, if the first idea is too over the top for you, why not make 2020 your Year of Fun? In my upcoming book, I advocate for keeping a fun file of ideas, so you always have fun at the ready. My editor leveled-up this idea in 2019 by picking her favorite fun ideas and committing to them (often by prepaying for the activity) throughout the year, increasing the likelihood that her year was full of enjoyment. She’s scheduled many of the activities with a friend to maximize the fun.
What are your favorite ideas to ensure you will have the most fun in the new year?
Tania Katan is an established thought leader who helps organizations bring creativity to the workplace. Her new book, Creative Trespassing, came out this year and quickly became an acclaimed best-seller. A dynamic personality, Katan is also a highly sought keynote speaker who spreads her positive message to a wide range of audiences. Our interview about fun and creativity can be found here.
Tara Geraghty is a celebrated speaker, entrepreneur, and writer. She authored the book Making Cancer Fun: A Parent’s Guide based on her experience helping her daughter—and herself—through a cancer diagnosis. She also has a popular TEDx talk discussing how embracing fun can change the cancer experience. Our interview about having fun in the face of trauma can be found here.
Like many parents, I wouldn’t say Anna and I find slime all that fun at home, but we tolerate it nonetheless because when the activity is constructed deliberately, it does invite wonder and the opportunity to engage in basic science (things both near and dear to my heart). However, when the slime is at someone else’s house, that’s another story! This quarter’s life experience was at the Sloomoo Institute, an immersive slime playground that will bring out the inner child out in almost anyone. Located in the SoHo neighborhood of New York, this place is one you should visit if you or any of your companions like slime. Definitely a good time.
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A lot of opportunities for contribution this quarter, I helped Life Life Love alum Erik Quick fund his startup The Town Kitchen. I also made donations to PlayBuild, Augie’s Quest, Oak Ridge Dance Team, and Wikipedia.
Bonus idea, I’ve got to give this family props, where credit is due. I already attested that 90s hip hop is the best. This family created their holiday card (which has since gone viral) to pay homage to the 1998 Beastie Boys hit Intergalactic. Further proof, there are abundant ways to have fun and share it with others.
Again, happy holidays (from the four of us 😊)! I wish you a fun and prosperous 2020 and beyond.
Yours in fun,
Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
P.S. I was recently tapped as a HIMSS “Healthcare Changemaker” along with nine other more deserving colleagues. It’s an honor to stand with this group to #BeTheChange in 2020.
