Gamify Your Life 250. The Importance of Fun: Playful Rebellion | Gary Ware
If you are one of the many people eating lunch at your desk and working too many hours a day, this episode is going to change your life! Today’s guest, Gary Ware, is an advocate for the importance of fun; not only does incorporating play into your life make you happier and healthier, it actually makes you better at what you do! Tune in today to hear how to rebel against the idea that work and play don’t mix and turn your world into a playground!
Meet Gary Ware:
Gary Ware, the Founder of Breakthrough Play, is a corporate facilitator, keynote speaker, certified coach, and author of the book Playful Rebellion. Gary has over 14 years of experience in the corporate world, where he has held various leadership positions. Gary also comes with nearly a decade of experience as a performer in improvisation theatre. After experiencing burnout in his pursuit of success and happiness, he realized that what was missing was play! Gary now uses the power of applied improvisation and other playful methods to assist people in unlocking creativity, confidence, and better communication.
Episode Highlights:
- Don’t conflate hard work and burnout. Work can be hard, but it shouldn’t lead to burnout. The core concept of Gary’s book, Playful Rebellion, is that we need to learn to see work “as a playground rather than a proving ground.” [01:34]
- Set time aside every day for play. For example, after each meeting you have during the course of your work day, block out ten minutes in your calendar to dance, read a book, play with legos, or whatever works for you! When you get back to work, you will find that you are much more engaged and productive. [03:43]
- Mezzo-rest (as opposed to micro-rest) occurs when you take more than just a short break from your work to do something creative. Research has shown that people who have hobbies outside of work are more successful than those who don’t. [09:26]
- Celebrate your failures! If you’re not making mistakes, you’re probably not pushing any boundaries, which probably means you aren’t growing. So, embrace your failures because they are a sign of growth. [16:57]
- Find allies on your Playful Rebellion journey. These are the people who will play with you in the workplace, support you during challenging times, and make your working world lighter, brighter, and more fun. [25:52]
Resources Mentioned:
- The Fun Habit by Mike Rucker
- The Science of Wellbeing
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- Todoist
- SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal
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